The Baltimore Ravens opened the 2015 preseason in impressive fashion on Thursday night, starting off strong and finishing with a last-second touchdown to earn a 30-27 victory over the New Orleans Saints.
While the final score holds little value, the performance of the individual Ravens players certainly does, and there is much to take away the first live action of the season.
Who stood out, and who might need to step it up in the coming weeks?
– The first team offense was as sharp as a kitchen knife during its lone possession, as Joe Flacco evenly distributed the football efficiently and quickly, helping the team march downfield for a 16-play drive that took more than eight minutes off the clock.
– Thank goodness the only second-string offensive linemen with above-average roster chances are James Hurst and John Urschel (who didn’t suit up) as the backup unit offered atrocious run blocking and spotty pass protection. The interior offensive line gave running backs Lorenzo Taliaferro and Javorius Allen little to work with, and the team only averaged 2.7 yards per carry on 39 attempts.
– Not much can be made of the return man competition, other than the fact that Asa Jackson was the first man out on both kickoffs and punts. No Ravens returned kickoffs, although rookie DeAndre Carter did not help his cause by losing control of the ball twice on one kickoff.
– Rookie defensive tackle Carl Davis was noticeably the best player on the field, as he played well into the second half and offered consistent, disruptive push at the line of scrimmage. Effective in run defense, Davis also batted down a pass.
– On offense, rookie tight end Nick Boyle led the team with four receptions and appeared to be a reliable underneath receiver.
– Second round pick Maxx Williams had an impressive game-saving play on the final drive, however he did have a drop in the end zone on a pass from Matt Schaub that could have resulted in a touchdown.
– Despite leading the team with five solo tackles, third-year linebacker Arthur Brown played with the third-team defense and appears to be behind Albert McClellan and Zachary Orr on the depth chart. Orr offered multiple impressive plays in coverage.
– One surprise name at cornerback was Quinton Pointer, who touched the field before the likes of Rashaan Melvin, Tray Walker and Cassius Vaughn. No backup cornerback stood out per se, but Pointer seems to be higher on the depth chart, and may be worth keeping an eye on.
– Rookie wide receiver Darren Waller earned extensive playing time, catching just one pass but drawing multiple defensive penalties and earning a few quality releases off the snap.
– Quarterback Bryn Renner had a memorable final drive, but was rather inconsistent overall and must take positive steps forward in order to warrant a spot on the practice squad.
– Rookie safety Nick Perry did not work into the game until late, coming in after Anthony Levine and Bryden Trawick.
– Nickel corner Kyle Arrington spent an entire drive at free safety, often playing single-high safety. Perhaps he is the team’s top backup option at safety as well.
– Outside of an inexcusable interception on a poor throw, Matt Schaub was efficient and effective, completing 11-of-18 throws for 134 yards and a touchdown.
