OWINGS MILLS, Md. — When incumbent starter Ray Rice was cut from the Baltimore Ravens, it opened the door for veteran Justin Forsett to establish himself as the featured running back.

So far, Forsett has taken full advantage of the opportunity and has become one of the NFL’s top runners. In 10 games this season, Forsett has already set season-highs for yards (721), carries (133) and touchdowns (five). Despite the extra work, Forsett does not appear to be wearing down and the bye will only help him to overcome the usual bumps and bruises that occur during a game.

Forsett is ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing yards. He was looking forward to getting some rest before the final stretch run of the season.

“For me, you know, it’s definitely going to be able to get a chance to rest,” Forsett said. “I want to be able to do more this next half. There’s always going to be doubters. There’s always going to be people that want to limit me and put me in boxes. It’s my job to go out and try to break them.”

— The Ravens’ overhauled secondary played well in their first game together in Week 10 against the Titans. Granted, they were facing a rookie quarterback in Zach Mettenberger, but they still managed to perform at a high level after a sluggish first quarter.

Cornerback Danny Gorrer, just claimed off waivers from the Lions prior to the game, was especially effective with an interception with two tackles. The Ravens hope Gorrer can be a long-term answer at the position.

“It was definitely great for me,” Gorrer said about the interception. “The front gave me a chance and when I saw it develop my eyes lit up and I’m just glad I was there to make a play.”

Baltimore also promoted undrafted rookie Tramain Jacobs from the practice squad. Safety Anthony Levine has been moved to cornerback for added depth and he performed well, finishing with four tackles and two passes defended.

“Obviously, (secondary/assistant head coach) Steve (Spagnuolo) and (assistant defensive backs coach) Chris (Hewitt) did a great job with those guys, getting them up to speed in one week, and they played very well,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said.

“Anthony Levine played really good football out there. It’s something that we’ve kind of been watching for a number of weeks and months, I guess. And he gets better every single week. I guess we’re not going to call him a safety anymore. He deserves to be called a corner, and he deserves it.”

–The Ravens rush defense has been one of the highlights of the past two seasons as the defensive line has continued to play at a high level. Baltimore has not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 20 consecutive games — the longest streak in the NFL. The Ravens are ranked seventh overall in the in rushing defense, allowing 84.5 yards per game. Baltimore has also has five red-zone takeaways this season.

“That’s a credit to our defensive players,” Harbaugh said. “It’s a credit to (defensive coordinator) Dean Pees and the coaching staff.”