Look, I know everyone wants to get into the Ravens’ preseason win last night – their 21st in a row! – but we have not spent enough time talking about Tony Jefferson playing football practically BLIND for the last few years.
It’s the glasses for us 🤣 pic.twitter.com/TOQmwhTHZ4
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 12, 2022
If he’s a decent NFL safety without use of his vision, he might actually be a stud this year now that he can see.
As for the game last night, I was cautiously impressed with the team’s performance. Tackling was the main issue, which is hardly surprising considering the team hasn’t gone full pads or full contact in training camp. It was a nice night for several of the Ravens’ rookie pass-catchers, particularly Isaiah Likely and Shemar Bridges.
All Glory to God✝️ https://t.co/xhX6zn0kjP
— $hoTime✝️ (@ShemarBridges17) August 12, 2022
Bridges showed off his massive frame with a few nice contested catches, while Likely continued to build on one of the stronger Ravens rookie summers in recent memory.
Isaiah Likely with the moves😵💫 pic.twitter.com/awUJDpVIHj
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) August 11, 2022
It’s worth noting, though, that Likely was a lot better as a receiver than a blocker.
The offensive line, however, was sharp for most of the game. Ja’Wuan James looked solid in his first in-game action in three years, and Ben Cleveland answered his rough start to training camp with a strong performance as well.
Here are the #Ravens 6 OL combos I charted last night along with the drive number and (Q,T) of their first snap together.#RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/CmNLsjz0du
— KingMoose (@Yoshi2052) August 12, 2022
It is painfully clear at this point that a) Tyre Phillips is a starting-caliber guard and b) Tyre Phillips is just not an offensive tackle in the NFL. And as much as I want to believe in Patrick Mekari at center, the snapping consistency just has to be there.
Faalele stabbed his paw and rooted out the defender with ease. That’s some raw power right there. You can tell he has that ability to overpower when he’s dialed in. A dominant rep. #RavensFlock https://t.co/1bmPMhdbaO
— Dev Panchwagh (@devpanchwagh) August 12, 2022
Big Dan Faalele was another standout. His physical gifts are obvious, but he’s clearly taken to NFL coaching quite well. Of all of the Ravens’ steals in the 2022 draft, I think getting Faalele in the fourth round might be the greatest heist of all.
First NFL sack for @bigtrav76 !
Tune in on WBAL! pic.twitter.com/FEfUsdbcXJ
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 12, 2022
Travis Jones is definitely contending for that title, too. That’s Malik Willis he tracked down for that sack! Jones has received a lot of hype for his power at the point of attack, but his lateral agility is the reason he’ll be an impact player on the interior of the Ravens defensive line.
As long as we’re talking about 2022 draft picks, let’s not leave out first-rounder Kyle Hamilton, who recovered a fumble leading to the Ravens’ first touchdown.
First fumble recovery for @kyledhamilton_ ❗️❗️
Tune in on WBAL! pic.twitter.com/fw1XW656EG
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 11, 2022
Way to get in there, rook!
The next preseason game isn’t until Sunday the 21st, at 8 PM in Arizona, so we’ll have over a week to digest the highlights and film from this one.
