Baltimore running back Justice Hill touched the ball only six times in the Ravens’ 30-23 overtime win at Atlanta on Sunday night, October 11, but his four carries went for 73 yards. The longest, a 47-yard run in the third quarter, set up the touchdown that put Baltimore back within two points. Hill’s role matters again this week as the Ravens (4-1) visit Cleveland with Lamar Jackson still day to day with an ankle injury.
How the 47-yard run changed the third quarter
Atlanta led 17-9 when Baltimore took over at its own 26 with 9:51 left in the third quarter. After a Derrick Henry run and a short catch by Zay Flowers, Hill went up the middle and was pushed out at the Atlanta 18, 47 yards later. Two plays after that, Tyler Huntley, starting in place of Jackson, threw short left to Henry for an 18-yard touchdown. The two-point try failed, but the five-play, 74-yard drive cut the deficit to 17-15, and the Ravens went on to win in overtime.
Hill had also opened the game with a 21-yard run on Baltimore’s second snap. Beyond his four carries, he caught two of four targets for 5 yards.
What Hill has done this season
Through five games Hill has 18 carries for 133 yards, 7.4 yards a carry, plus seven catches for 49 yards. Henry is still the lead back, and Hill gives the Ravens a faster change of pace and a passing-down option.
Up next in Cleveland
Cleveland’s run defense is banged up: defensive tackles Mason Graham, Maliek Collins and Mike Hall Jr. all missed Wednesday’s practice. Baltimore visits Huntington Bank Field on Sunday, October 18, at 1 p.m. EDT, and the Browns (3-2) could be without their own lead back, Quinshon Judkins, who is dealing with an ankle injury.
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