Ravens vs. Lions – 8/27/16
The returns of Suggs and Flacco were the main event on Saturday.
However, unlike a boxing card, the main event in exhibition football comes first so the winners can enjoy the rest of the night off and wear cool baseball hats while the fans leave early.
But I digress.
The undercard for the Ravens included the continuing trials of 3 offensive linemen with varying backgrounds, but uniformly intriguing futures with the team.
The Offensive Line by Series
Here are the offensive linemen by series. I didn’t notice any mid-series changes, but these are the 5 offensive linemen for the first play of each series.
Some notes on the OL rotation:
– Urschel did not play for the 2nd straight week. When he returns I expect he’ll be the top backup.
– Alex Lewis has now played 2 games at LG and has not scored well, but he’s shown enough mobility to handle the position and the prototype nastiness for an NFL guard. He had a 54-snap trial on Saturday where he did well with combination blocks, effectively found blocks in level 2, pulled successfully twice, and generally blocked to the whistle. However, he had trouble with the bull rush and in picking up stunts (see individual notes for negative plays), surrendered a sack, and was flagged for a false start. I marked him for 6 highlight blocks in those 54 snaps, which is a terrific rate, so he got the maximum adjustment to his score, but that still advanced his raw score of .62 to a .72 adjusted, which is a low D at guard. The ability is obviously there, but he has significant technique issues to correct.
– Jensen also had an extended trial at center (32 snaps) followed by a series at guard (11). He was nearly flawless, with his only negative score a shared penetration (Q3, 6:31) where he and Ducasse each had responsibility for allowing Allen to be tackled for a loss of 1. Otherwise, he made 40 blocks, missed 2, scored a raw .91 with 4 highlight blocks (great rate; see individual notes for descriptions). Given he missed the first 2 series, his adjustment can’t be as big as Lewis, but I credited him with .97 adjusted score, which is an A at either center or guard. In the final preseason game, I expect we’ll see more of Jensen at both center and guard.
– Ronnie Stanley was again very good. He played 33 snaps and allowed parts of 2 pressures (1/3 shared with Lewis and Wagner + ½ shared with Lewis), but he did not allow a QH or sack, and he was not penalized. Unlike his previous games, he didn’t have any highlight blocks other than 1 squeaky-clean stunt handoff with Lewis (Q1, 11:04) which led to extended pocket time for Flacco. He simply played boring, consistent, obstructive LT and kept his assignment (primarily Ziggy Ansah) away from Joe. His raw score was .83. I adjusted him to .89 (based solely on opponent quality in his case), which is an A at tackle. Through 3 games he’s got straight As at LT, so it should not be surprising he’s PFF’s highest-rated rookie.
– Stanley was at the podium early in camp. In addition to discussing wearing a chicken suit in rookie talent show series, he mentioned that he thought the transition to the NFL might be eased by the fact he played in a similar pro-style offense at Notre Dame. Given his college system and the paucity of pressure events allowed to date (1.33 pressures in 80 graded snaps), I think it’s reasonable to expect he won’t have the very difficult year often seen from rookie LTs. Given his makeup, whatever level he establishes for himself in 2016, he should be able to improve.
– As it stands now, 8 OL spots appear set (Stanley, Lewis, Zuttah, Yanda, Wagner, Urschel, Jensen, Ducasse) with Hurst and Wesley currently on the bubble for a 9th spot the Ravens may have for the OL. The Ravens have all of the interior linemen they need at present, but the team’s only backup tackle may be the starting LG. I think there is a good chance Newsome will try to find a tackle or swingman in someone else’s discard pile.
Individual Grades and Notes
As in past years, I have given a number of Ravens a grade from +3 to -3 reflecting how much my expectation of their impact on the 2016 Ravens changed based on their performance (a second grade is cumulative for the preseason). I don’t rate starters, players who have no place on the team, or anyone for whom I don’t think I have any data for a judgment. The players here are new to the team, rookies, on the cusp of making the team, have new responsibilities in 2016, in positional battles, or have otherwise have something to prove this season.
Allen, Buck (-1/-2): The other backs are finding holes more frequently. Buck has now run the ball 18 times for 35 yards (1.9 YPC) with a long of 6. He caught all 4 balls on which he was targeted, but for just 17 yards in total. In total, he had a touch on 12 of his 21 snaps Saturday, so it’s not a matter of opportunity. He should get a good trial in the first half of game 4. His roster spot is secure, but he needs to find ways to make more plays.
Boyle, Nick (0/0): He was targeted once (Q3, 4:19). The ball came in a little low from Mallett, but Nick dropped it. He otherwise contributed as a run blocker with a key lead on Campanaro’s run right and a block on former Bengal Wallace Gilberry to help lead Dixon’s pile-moving, 17-yard ramble (Q2, 3:33). When he returns late in the season, he’ll have the good fortune for the normal complaints about lousy TE blocking to have accumulated and he should be able to make an immediate contribution.
Brown, Daniel (0/+1): He played 12 snaps and was targeted once for a gain of 6 near the left sideline. After going out of bounds (OOB), he was hit by Butler to draw a 15-yard flag for unnecessary roughness. I think the Ravens’ field may be confusing players. Normally, NFL games have a solid white stripe that is supposed to remain open during the game. Both offensive and defensive players use it to regulate their actions (toe taps, defensing the boundary as a CB, blocking the gunner, hits, etc.), but the area has been unpainted for the 2 exhibition games at home. Butler’s hit was so far OOB, it appeared he did not recognize the boundary.
Butler, Jeremy (+1/+3): With a few notable exceptions, players hate to take the podium at camp and they want the experience to be over as quickly as possible. Their answers tend to be variations on rehearsed themes that are rarely interesting. However, when I watched the recorded interview of Butler during the broadcast, I noticed he is actually practicing what he talks about on camera. Paraphrasing, he said he wants to find a way to catch any ball thrown to him, no matter by whom or where it’s thrown. That attitude has translated to fearlessness on the field: 13 catches on 15 targets (he is still the NFL leader in receptions through 3 weeks), and 2 TDs. The receiving corps is crowded, but Butler will be playing for some NFL team in September. His diving TD catch (Q2, 2:55) is a part of any set of Ravens highlights from this game. Lost from those clips is his negated TD on a WR screen right where he made an exciting run through traffic for 20 yards (Q3, 2:56).
Campanaro, Michael (0/0): He played 25 snaps at WR, but was not targeted. His only offensive touch came on his 13-yard run right from motion. He returned a punt for 15 yards on which he forced 2 missed tackles (Q3, 7:13). I don’t think there is anything likely to happen in game 4 that impacts whether he, Butler, or both make the team. But it’s possible an acquisition, trade, or injury could change the decision.
Dixon, Kenneth (-3/-1): The initial results reported from his MRI are much more encouraging than what most fans thought as they watched the events of Saturday night. If he is able to come back on or about Week 5, the Ravens will probably carry him on the roster as a game day inactive to conserve their lone return from IR allowed under the new rules. He again demonstrated playmaking ability and impressive yards after contact (YACo). The needle has moved far south on what I expect him to produce in 2016, but I still have hope he’ll make some special contributions.
Ducasse, Vlad (0/0): He shared responsibility for Allen being dropped for a loss of 1 (Q3, 6:31), but he had a role in 2 of the Ravens big run plays. On Dixon’s 13-yard run right (Q2, 11:25) he assisted on Jensen’s seal before moving to L2 to complete the combination block on Gooden. He also held a block on Robinson long enough for West to squirt by en route to a 13-yard gain (Q13, 11:14). I don’t see any competition currently for his spot as the Ravens 8th lineman, but he could still be cut if the Ravens acquire another tackle or swingman and the team keeps just 8 on the OL.
Hurst, James (0/-1): James had a nice kickout on the RDE (I did not record his number) on West’s 13-yard run (Q3, 5:26). I don’t otherwise have him in my notes for pass-blocking errors, but I didn’t score him specifically as I would in a regular season game.
Jensen, Ryan (+3/+1): Ryan’s outstanding night improves his chance to get the first shot at an interior line opening. His highlight blocks:
–(Q2, 3:33) He pushed the pile several yards from behind as Dixon kept his feet moving for a gain of 17.
–(Q3, 11:14) He maintained the back end of his combo block in level 2 to lead West’s 13-yard run.
–(Q3, 10:39) He held a level 2 block to the echo of the whistle despite the fact Allen was stopped for a gain of 2.
–(Q4, 11:32) He again maintained his level 2 block to the whistle, but Allen’s run was stopped for no gain.
Johnson, Jerrod (0/0): DNP. He may not still be on the roster by the time you read this.
Johnson, Josh (-2/+2): He didn’t do anything particularly wrong versus the Lions and led the team on an 11-play TD drive on the only drive where the offense wasn’t simply trying to run out the clock. However, Mallett played well and appears to have secured the backup role in Baltimore. It’s likely Johnson will be on the sideline somewhere in the NFL given his experience and ability, but it won’t be with the Ravens barring an injury to Mallett on Thursday. If he doesn’t immediately get a backup role coming out of camp, he’d be a good candidate for a call from the Ravens should the unthinkable occur. He may also be traded during the next week (most likely between the game on Thursday and final cuts).
Juszczyk (0/0): Kyle played 15 snaps versus the Lions and fought for a first-down conversion on his lone reception (Q1, 4:27). With the injury situation at TE, he is likely to have his snap count increased significantly whether that means the Ravens will utilize more 2-back sets or he lines up at TE.
Lewis, Alex (-1/0): Let’s start with the bad news. He was backed up then beaten outside by Thornton for a drive-ending sack (Q2, 8:53). He also surrendered 2 full and 2 partial pressures (2 by stunt pickup failures and 2 by bull rush). For transparency and your masochistic pleasure, I’ll provide you with the play times (Q1, 12:15 and Q1, 8:02 and Q1, 7:58 and Q1, 2:28). Here are the racing form descriptions of his 6 highlight blocks without time references (but in the order they occurred):
–Pulled right for pancake to lead Dixon RM5
–Pancaked Robinson on Forsett RM-1
–Clean stunt exchange with Stanley without giving ground
–L2 block on Whitehead on Gillmore’s PL2
–Made 2 blocks on Dixon RM17
–Good combination block, then pancaked Williams in L2
He may not be able to hold down the LG spot for the whole season, particularly since the Ravens will have to move him outside if they have an injury at either tackle spot (as the roster is currently constructed). However, the organization appears set to give him the first chance at LG.
Mallett (+1/+2): He was more decisive and the ball came out quicker versus the Lions. The TD pass to Butler was a good pass, but an even better catch (Q2, 2:55). He showed no fear of contact on 2 short-yardage conversions including the Ravens’ second TD.
Matthews (0/-2): His play should not be reduced to the drop (Q3, 2:51). His 13-yard catch set up a score (Q2, 1:45). He also downed a punt at the 9-yrd line and had 2 excellent downfield blocks I noted. On Dixon’s pile-moving, 17-yard run, Matthews blocked Bush and Dixon traveled in his wake. No other Lions were able to get in front of the pile, which was a major reason why it kept moving. He also made a good run block on Houston’s 9-yard run left that was negated by Skura’s holding penalty.
Moore (+1/+1): He had 2 receptions for 13 yards each, including the nice lunging grab. He made a good block on Allen’s 6-yard screen reception (Q3, 4:15). He was flagged for illegal formation when he covered the TE (Q1, 7:25) in a correctable receiving 101 error. So far all of Moore’s receptions have been short, but they tried to call a deep ball for him again Saturday. Long after the regulars had retired, Moore was reinserted for 1 play (Q4, 3:44) and Johnson dutifully lobbed a 30-yard pass up the right sideline. The pass landed out of bounds, but Moore did not have separation. Given the game situation, Moore may has well have worn a pink jersey or been required to report to the Lions as an eligible deep receiver. I can’t imagine Johnson appreciated the increased chance of an interception showing up on his tape.
Perriman (0/0): DNP. I assume they want to play him in game 4, but it’s so soon, he may sit it out. We’re in uncharted waters with everything about Breshad at this point, but it would be fun to see him blow by the Buffalo secondary on a 9 route in his first NFL action of any sort.
Reynolds (0/0): He played 21 more snaps without being targeted and is now 1 for 68 in the preseason. He returned 1 punt for 12 yards and made a nice block on Butler to help Johnson convert 3rd and 6 (Q4, 10:16). Some team with a little less depth would take him as a project if he’s cut, so I assume he’s likely to end up on IR.
Stanley (+1/+5): See above. Both of his shared pressures allowed were cases where he gave ground, but stayed square with his assignment. He failed to pick up the blitzing Wilson (Q2, 8:58) on a play where Mallett was on a designed roll right, so I charged him with a missed block, but no pressure since the ball was out long before Wilson arrived. His only other miss came when he was unable to locate someone to block on the back side of Dixon’s run over right guard (Q1, 12:51). Scoring 33 plays, 29 blocks, 2 missed, .83 (1/2 + 1/3) pressures, 27.33 points (.83 points per play). That’s an A after adjustment.
Urschel (-1/-2): DNP. His play last season at center warranted concern about his ability to play LG. I think Lewis has shown enough in his trial by fire to start the opener.
Wallace (0/0): He played just 15 snaps, but was targeted 6 times with 3 catches. Flacco seems to like throwing to him, which is good given the absences of Pitta and Watson. Wallace left some yards on the table with a drop (Q1, 3:53) and the inability to beat Slay, the last man between him and the goal line, on his 20-yard reception (Q1, 13:58).
Waller (0/-2): He caught both balls thrown to him, including a stat-padding blown coverage (Q2, 9:58) where he took a 2-yard pass for 26 YAC down the left sideline. He also had one of the key blocks on Campanaro’s 15-yard run.
Wesley (-2/-3): He was flagged for holding to negate Butler’s second TD of the game (Q3, 2:56). He also allowed a QH when he failed to pick up the stunting Gilberry (Q3, 6:00). Despite this bad game (or perhaps even because of it) he may well stick on the practice squad. I don’t believe the Ravens will carry him on the active roster and they will probably seek to acquire a player who can play tackle sometime between now and Week 2.
West (+2/+3): His YACo was impressive on Saturday and his opportunity has improved with the loss of Dixon.
Williams, Maxx (0/0): DNP. He needs to be able to dress, but there are more snaps available for him when he is able to do so.