Rookie Report – Preseason Game 3
After the starters left the game Saturday night, the younger Ravens struggled to maintain a 13-0 lead, allowing Washington to score 31 unanswered points in a game that had a little bit of everything.
Let’s check in on how the rookies are developing.
Offense
As the primary backup running back, Buck Allen failed to impress. He committed a costly fumble at the goal line that will churn the coaches’ stomachs. Allen averaged just 2 yards per carry and had only one catch for 5 yards. He has yet to fully display the speed and agility that we heard about in Training Camp, but will likely get plenty of chances Thursday night to regain form and earn trust.
Darren Waller was fairly quiet, catching just one pass, but Matt Schaub’s poor play made it hard for any offensive player to shine. With the injury concerns at the position, do not be surprised if Waller earns some playing time early in the regular season.
Third string tight end Nick Boyle is expectedly making his mark more as a blocker than as a pass catcher, executing several key blocks against the ‘Skins. Boyle probably didn’t need to extend his arm on his offensive pass interference penalty, and with a throw more towards the sideline by Flacco, we might be talking about a touchdown.
Defense
Let’s start with the good news. Carl Davis, thus far Baltimore’s most consistent rookie, put forth another impressive performance Saturday. His vision and field awareness impress me for a young player. He’s rarely the bull in the china shop who pushes upfield worthlessly overrunning the ball carrier—instead he jams, generates separation, and locates the ball quickly. His stat line won’t be sexy this year, but he will make the dirty work look pretty when he gets his snaps.
Outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith has a long way to go. I love his attitude and physical tools, but he is still quite raw. The coaches likely see the same potential as they gave him 45 snaps, and tested his versatility by experimentally lining Smith up on the interior of the line. John Harbaugh noted, however, that Smith’s hands to the face penalty (which he has now been guilty of in multiple games and in practice) is “unacceptable” and the result of bad technique.
Tray Walker got abused by Washington. Coaches gave him extended action, but both his coverage and his tackling were very poor. His missed open-field tackle during the second quarter two-minute drill was his most glaring error. He will make the team, but is still a year away from being a player the coaches will feel comfortable playing.
Rookie Notes: Injury Bug and First Cuts
– The Ravens top two draft picks did not suit up against the Redskins. Breshad Perriman’s return from injury is nowhere in sight—Coach Harbaugh explained that he has no update on Perriman’s status, but acknowledged that the knee has taken much longer than expected to heal.
– Maxx Williams wore a red no-contact jersey last week in practice (yesterday as well) and did not play Saturday. He missed a quality opportunity to continue his development, as the 6’4” tight end will likely see plenty of snaps this season.
– A few weeks ago, seeing DeAndre Carter’s name amongst the first round of cuts would have shocked me, but after he has failed to perform as a receiver, and more importantly as a kick returner, his departure yesterday was rather unsurprising.
– Additionally, the Ravens parted ways with the following rookies: guard Leon Brown, punter Justin Manton, wide receiver Trent Steelman, and tackles Darryl Baldwin and De’Ondre Wesley as part of the 15-man cut-down, bringing the active roster to 75 players.
Looking Ahead to Preseason Week 4
Thursday’s game against the Falcons will be the last chance for the rookies to make their case for a roster spot with Friday’s final 53-man team to be selected Friday.
Keep an eye on guard Robert Myers, outside linebacker Brennen Beyer, and running back Terrence Magee. All three are on the roster bubble and all should merit considerable playing time Thursday. My predictions for those three players are that Myers gets stashed on injured reserve, Beyer makes the practice squad, and Magee either makes the practice squad or could make the team as the third healthy running back after Lorenzo Taliaferro’s recent injury.
One last chance for these young guys:
Baltimore Ravens @ Atlanta Falcons
Thursday, Sep 3
7:00PM WBAL
