Niner Noise
FanSided

The top NFL player to watch from each team in 2017

By Peter Panacy

Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Terrance West (28) carries the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Terrance West (28) carries the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Baltimore Ravens — Running Back Terrance West

The Baltimore Ravens may be hitting one of those transitional periods where they have to start moving on from older veterans and replacing them with younger talent.

It started to happen last year, with the release of veteran running back Justin Forsett, and him being replaced with fellow tailback Terrance West.

The Ravens boasted one of the worst ground attacks in the NFL last year, ranking No. 28 with just 1,463 yards gained. West accounted for 774 of those yards and appears to be the primary tailback in head coach John Harbaugh’s offense.

The reason why West and the ground game are the X-factors to watch here is largely due to the questionable passing offense Baltimore will carry over into 2017.

With veteran wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. retiring this offseason, and the Ravens not exactly adding anyone of notice, quarterback Joe Flacco better hope his running game can make the offense more dynamic this upcoming season.

The defense should be fine, although certain elements — looking at you, Terrell Suggs — are getting older.

This puts more pressure on West to perform up to par.