The Facts: As the Ravens go into the offseason, they have big expectations for what Allen could do in his second season. He'll compete for playing time with Justin Forsett and Lorenzo Taliaferro when they get healthy, and Allen will be out to build upon his solid rookie campaign.
Diehards Line:
Allen admits that even he would have had a tough time predicting the kind of rookie season he had in Baltimore. The fourth-round pick went from third on the depth at the beginning of the season to the starter by year’s end, and he showed enough promise that he could go into next season as the team’s top ball carrier. Allen’s opportunities came after season-ending injuries to Taliaferro (foot) and Forsett (arm). The rookie took advantage of the playing time when it came his way – he played in all 16 games and started six – and he finished the year with 137 carries for 514 yards and a touchdown, and 45 catches for 353 yards and two scores. Allen’s versatility as a runner and pass catcher made him a driver of the offense late in the season. With the Ravens using three quarterbacks in the final five games, Allen was a reliable safety net with short passes over the middle of the field. His 45 catches ranked third on the team behind only Kamar Aiken and Steve Smith. He’s worth watching as the season draws near.