The Ravens close out the preseason against Beltway rival, the Washington Redskins, at M&T Bank Stadium on Thursday. Baltimore could improve to (5-0) and go undefeated in the preseason for the third straight year, which has also coincided with the recent three-year playoff drought. Don’t expect to see many key players for the final game. Still, there are several intriguing storylines.
Here Are Five Things to Watch
Robert Griffin III said he had no extra motivation facing his former team. His focus is showing the Ravens he should be part of the final 53-man roster.
“I think there’s something special brewing here, and I want to be a part of it,” RGIII said.
The team, however, has not carried three quarterbacks since 2009. Griffin, though, has been solid throughout the preseason, going 27 of 41 for 243 yards with two touchdowns and an interception for a rating of 87.8. The game is also an opportunity for Griffin to showcase his skills for another team if the Ravens decide to go into the regular season with just Joe Flacco and Lamar Jackson as the quarterbacks.
Michael Crabtree, John Brown, Willie Snead and Chris Moore are locks to make the final roster as receivers. However, the depth chart behind them is still unclear. Both Janarion Grant and Tim White are battling for the role as a return specialist and backup receiver. The winner of that competition will earn a roster spot, while the other could be the odd man out. This leaves Jordan Lasley, a rookie fifth-round pick from UCLA, and former first-round pick Breshad Perriman battling for the sixth and final spot at receiver. Both had an uneven training camp. Lasley might have the edge because he can perform on special teams. Perriman hasn’t taken a snap a special teams snap over four preseason games.
With Hayden Hurst out with a foot injury, there is an opportunity for another tight end to take his spot in the starting lineup. The Ravens would love to see fellow rookie Mark Andrews fill the void, but he has been underwhelming throughout the preseason. Nick Boyle has been solid and will likely battle Maxx Williams for that starting role. There might not be room for Vince Mayle to make the final roster and Darren Waller could be headed to the practice squad.
One of the most intriguing battles throughout the preseason has been with Patrick Onwuasor and Kenny Young to start next to Pro-Bowler C.J. Mosley. Both have made a strong case and performed well in pass coverage. Regardless of who wins the starting role, Onwuasor and Young will get opportunities to make plays this season.
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The suspension of Jimmy Smith has created an opportunity for rookie Anthony Averett to make an immediate impact. He emerged as a playmaker in the Monday night preseason game against the Colts with a couple of key plays in the red zone. Averett has gained the confidence of his coaches and this final preseason game is another opportunity to shine. Fellow cornerback Stanley Jean-Baptiste has a pair of interceptions but is still on the bubble. He needs to show that he should be part of the final 53-man roster.
