2018 NFL trade deadline: How each new acquisition will help their new team
By Ian Wharton
Ravens acquire running back Ty Montgomery
After Ty Montgomery’s blunder at the end of their 29-27 loss to the Rams, it was only a matter of time until he was jettisoned. Simply put, defying a coach in the manner he did is unacceptable, and the Packers could’ve justifiably released him immediately after the game ended.
Instead, they extracted a 2020 seventh-round pick from the Baltimore Ravens. The pick will likely equal next to nothing, meaning it was a risk-free move by the Ravens.
After a brief surge in 2016 where Montgomery electrified the Packers’ run game upon moving to tail back, his consistency behind a depleted offensive line and without a healthy Aaron Rodgers disappeared. Not a pure runner nor a pure receiver, he’s a playmaker without a clear full-time role. But he is more capable out of the backfield than most backs due to his comfort and capability at both spots.
With Alex Collins dealing with a foot injury and struggling in general behind a mediocre Ravens line, the addition of Montgomery came at a good time. The Ravens needed depth without sacrificing valuable cap space or a significant draft pick. Despite owning a division-best 60-point differential on the season, the Ravens are at-risk of falling out of the playoff race with a loss to the Steelers this week.
Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg can utilize Montgomery in a manner similar to how he’s used Javorius Allen. Montgomery is a more gifted version of Allen, possessing more elusiveness and quickness out of the backfield. The Ravens can start relying on him immediately as they need to give Joe Flacco some easy yards to extend drives.
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It’s unlikely Montgomery will be the savior for the offensively-challenged Ravens, though. Flacco’s recent play has dipped back into the checkdown mode after a strong month to start the year. He’ll need to ramp his aggressiveness back up for this offense to match their elite defense.
They should have some interest in re-signing Montgomery should he play well down the stretch of the season. Collins is a quality back but not a star, and Kenneth Dixon’s never been healthy. They could benefit from adding a true workhorse via the draft, but Lamar Jackson is also in the wings and will help any back he plays with find bigger running lanes.