There was plenty of talk about the mismatches that favored the Miami Dolphins when they hosted the Baltimore Ravens. Lamar Miller, Jordan Cameron and Dion Sims posed a threat, but the Ravens defense took care of them.
READ MORE: Dolphins present matchup problems for Ravens defense
The Ravens had their own mismatch on offense. Rookie running back Buck Allen had the best game of his young career against the Dolphins. He showed that he can be a dual-threat if he is involved in the game plan.
John Harbaugh was thoroughly impressed with the effort that Allen gave during his 41-yard touchdown reception.
“Buck was running really hard. Then he made the play in space,” Harbaugh said. “He made guys miss in the backfield. He’s becoming a real threat. It’s exciting.”
Allen had a big time game against the Dolphins. He caught 12 passes for 107 yards. One of his receptions was a 41-yard touchdown in which Allen showed how he can elude would be tackles and get yards after the catch.
He gave credit to the receivers blocking for him on his touchdown when he was asked about the play. Allen’s confidence is steadily growing.
“I had a great block. The receivers did a great job blocking the perimeter. Coaches always preach to make one guy miss. That’s something I have worked on since college,” Allen said. “One on one, I go with myself over anybody.”
Allen had 17 carries for 63 yards. His running style is perfect for the Ravens. He continued to run well in between the tackles.
There was a drive during the second quarter in which the Ravens ran the ball nine times and threw the ball six times. Allen carried the ball five times on the drive. He also had a reception.
Unfortunately, the drive stalled on the Dolphins two-yard line. Allen ran for no gain on third and one then Matt Schaub couldn’t get the first down on the next play.
It was an opportunity the Ravens couldn’t afford to miss. Not getting into the end zone from inside the five bothered Allen.
“It’s frustrating. We have to play every play like it’s the last. We have to execute whenever we have the opportunities,” Allen said. “I wish we could have got in down there when we were inside the five.”
The Dolphins scored two touchdowns in the second quarter. Both of them were tied into interceptions by Schaub. The interceptions did come after the ball was deflected at the line of scrimmage.
The Ravens lost but they are getting to see a very talented running back develop during the final stretch of games this season. The rookie is getting settled in as his role increases.
The Dolphins were giving up an average of 138 rushing yards per game before the Ravens came to town. It was obvious the Ravens needed to establish the run.
The Ravens only ran the ball 25 times and they threw it 46 times. He has full confidence in the coaches and refused to lobby for more carries after the game.
“I’m very comfortable. Whatever the coaches want me to do,” Allen said. “Whenever my name is called, I am going to do my best to just execute the play.