The Falcons’ inside linebackers — Paul Worrilow and Joplo Bartu — will be the X-factors against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.
The Ravens have used three running backs to replace Ray Rice, who was waived after his domestic-violence video tape went viral in September.
Justin Forsett, rookie Lorenzo Taliaferro and Bernard Pierce have 151 rushes for 779 yards (5.1 per carry) and six touchdowns. The Ravens have committed to running the ball better under new coordinator (and former Houston coach) Gary Kubiak.
Forsett played 34 snaps, Pierce 23 and Taliaferro 10 last week against Tampa Bay.
Forsett, a former Seattle Seahawk, had a 52-yard gain last week and finished with a season-high 111 yards on 14 carries, averaging 7.9 yards per run. It was his first 100-game since 2009.
Pierce scored his first touchdown of the season. The Ravens like to power the ball behind right guard Marshal Yanda.
The Falcons have juggled their linebackers over the past three weeks.
Rookie Prince Shembo started alongside Worrilow against Minnesota and the New York Giants. Last week, against the Bears, Bartu was re-inserted into the lineup.
“We felt like Bartu had taken the majority of the reps,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “And the way that Shembo was moving around (on an injured ankle), we thought it was in our best interests for (Bartu) to play in the game.”
The Falcons give up 141.3 yards rushing per game, which ranks 29th in the NFL. The Ravens rush for 132.8 yards per game, which is ranks eighth in the league.
