Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston says if the Ravens are going to make a playoff run they need to give the ball to former University of Arkansas, Fayetteville standout Alex Collins.
"The Ravens should take the keys to the offense and turn them over to running back Alex Collins," Preston wrote.
"He is the Ravens' most consistent and dependable weapon right now. Forget all this talk about the vertical passing game and quarterback Joe Flacco wanting to throw deep. That is complementary stuff right now.
"Just give the ball to Collins. And then give it to him more and more. And some more.
"This is Collins' offense. Everything else is too shaky. The offensive line is average at best. Even when the Ravens don't block well, Collins gets yards with that burst outside that allows him to turn the corner.
"Despite last week's performance, Flacco still seems out of sync with his receivers, especially on timing routes. The quarterback has been streaky and inconsistent all season. There are times when he looks like Joe Montana, and other times he looks like Joe Palooka.
"So, the Ravens should use Collins the way the Steelers use running back Le'Veon Bell. He should get at least 25 carries a game. [Offensive coordinator Marty] Mornhinweg should become creative and use him more as a receiver.
"The kid has to touch the ball."
Collins has gained 825 yards on 162 carries with 5 touchdowns this season. The second-year pro is averaging 5.1 yards per carry and has caught 13 passes for 121 yards. He gained a career-high 120 yards rushing on 18 carries in last week's 39-38 loss to the Steelers.
Award winner
A green jacket, a bride, a baby on the way, and now the awards are starting to cap off a memorable year for Sergio Garcia.
The Masters champion was selected as the European Tour golfer of the year, the first time he was won the award. Garcia won three times this year, including the Dubai Desert Classic and the Andalucia Masters, to go along with his first major championship at Augusta National.
The award was decided by a panel consisting of golf media.
"This is an amazing honor," Garcia said. "I think both on and off the golf course, it has been a unique and unbelievable year, and one that I will definitely remember my whole life."
The British-based Association of Golf Writers also honored Garcia with its Golf Writers Trophy. It's the second time Garcia won the award. He also won in 1999 when the 19-year-old was runner-up to Tiger Woods in the PGA Championship, won two European Tour events and went 3-1-1 in the Ryder Cup.
"To be voted the award for a second time, it is extremely exciting and hopefully I will be able to win it again," Garcia said. "We know that both the golfers and the media go hand-in-hand in this business, and we always appreciate when they recognize you for something as big as this."
Date night?
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was awarded a contract extension last week, receiving a five-year deal that could reach $200 million with incentives, which produced many reactions on social media and elsewhere.
"That's a lot of money and obviously NFL business is going well," New England quarterback Tom Brady said. "He can pick up a lot of checks now.
"Maybe he'll take me out to dinner sometime."
Sports quiz
In what round was Alex Collins drafted in 2016?
Sports answer
Round 5. He was the 171st pick by the Seattle Seahawks.
Sports on 12/13/2017