Like several other teams during the craziest free agency period in NFL history, the Baltimore Ravens saw an almost complete overhaul made to their backfield.
The Ravens back-up running back over the few seasons, Willis McGahee, moved on in free agency, joining the Denver Broncos.
Meanwhile, All-Pro fullback Le'Ron McClain also left Baltimore as he choose to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs.
However, one could argue the Ravens actually improved their running game over last season with the moves they made in the aftermath.
First, the Ravens reached a three-year, $11 million deal with All-Pro fullback Vonta Leach.
Leach spent the past five seasons with the Houston Texans and helped lead the way for Arian Foster to lead the NFL in rushing yards last season.
Leach's stellar season earned him a Pro-Bowl selection.
Shortly after filling their hole at fullback, the Ravens reached a two-year, $2.5 million deal with running back Ricky Williams.
Williams, who has spent a majority of his career (including last season) with the Miami Dolphins, could earn up to $4 million during the two-years on his deal if he reaches certain incentives in the contract.
While he is 34 years old, which is fairly old for a player at the position, Williams doesn't have nearly as many miles on his body as most running backs at his age.
Between retiring for a season and being suspended on multiple occasions for drug violations, Williams has missed nearly three total seasons worth of hits and punishment on his body.
Also, in Baltimore, Williams will be playing for a team that could not only go deep into the postseason, but could potentially win a Super Bowl.
That is a huge change for someone who has only been to the playoffs twice in his career, seeing early exits each time.
Williams has 9,569 yards rushing for his career, meaning he has the opportunity to become just to 26th member of the NFL's 10,000 yard club this season.
As far as total rushing yards are concerned, after racking up 673 rushing yards last season, I think Williams will at least surpass 500 this year with enough carries, entering into the previously mentioned 10,000 club.
Considering he averaged 4.2 yards per carry last season while backing-up Ronnie Brown in Miami, I think Williams can still average somewhere between 3.8 and 4.2 yards this season with the Ravens.
Between a better passing threat in Joe Flacco to keep defenses guessing and running behind Leach, I think Williams will only see a small drop-off, if any, in his production this season.
He could also hit the 75 career touchdown milestone this season, as he has 69 already for his career.
If the Ravens choose to use Williams in the red zone and near the goal line, I expect him to rush for somewhere between five and nine touchdowns this season.
While he only had two touchdowns last season, he had 11 during the 2009 season when he was a part-time starter after Ronnie Brown suffered a season-ending injury.
Assuming Ray Rice has another stellar 1,000+ yard season, the Ravens could have one of the most dangerous running games in the NFL this season.
With both of their top running backs having styles that compliment each other perfectly and a new All-Pro fullback leading the way, I think Baltimore will finish in the top three in the NFL in rushing yards per game as long as everyone stays healthy.
