After each preseason game we will take a look at how many of the Ravens’ rookies are performing as they acquaint themselves with the NFL. Here’s how a few looked in the preseason game against the New York Giants:
Ben Grubbs
Overall Assessment: Got off to a rough start by committing a false start penalty on the first offensive snap of the game…On the first drive, he seemed slow and unsure of how to use his hands to initiate contact with the defender… Was too high in his stance on a running play, and was unable to get much of a push… On McGahee’s seven-yard gain, Grubbs turned his man and got him moving laterally to open a gaping hole… Looked comfortable in space… Displayed good speed when he turned the corner and located a defender to block on pull plays… Did a nice job of delivering an initial blow on a double team block in the running game before peeling to the second level…At times, he had trouble holding his ground against a bull rush move and was driven backwards… Will need to be more aggressive and fire out of his stance more consistently in the future.
Marshall Yanda
Overall Assessment: Was slow getting his hands up to land the initial punch… Missed a couple of blocks in protection… Was unable to recognize which edge defender to lock up in a blitz protection situation… Perfectly led the way on an inside counter block… Consistently fired quickly out of his stance after the snap…Displayed good leverage and power in the running game…Sustained his blocks until the whistle was blown…Generally had trouble dealing with any counter pass-rush moves that a DE used against him… Made a couple of key kick out blocks in the kick-return game.
Le’Ron McClain
Overall Assessment: Did not log many snaps… Looked to be out of position in picking up the blitz on two separate occasions… Took a poor angle to engage a defensive back coming hard off the edge… Showed the ability to locate his man in the running game… Had a strong showing as a crashing tackler on kick coverage.
Photo by Sabina Moran
