Scott Garceau: Ravens Preseason Closing Notes
Exhibitions finally over!
I loved the occasional Joe Flacco sideline shot Thursday night in Atanta, the Ravens QB looked as bored as the rest of us with the final preseason game. I know it's important for a few guys on the bubble but for the rest of the free world it's like getting Arena League football for NFL prices.
There might have been 4,000 fans left in 70,000 seat the Georgia Dome when the clock ran out on the 2015 preseason for the Ravens, AMEN! Cut that roster down to 53 and let's start playing real football.
Here are a few notes after watching 4 games that for the most part meant absolutely nothing:
• Steve Smith and The Question Marks, no it's not a '70's band it's the Ravens wide receiver group. What we have here is 36 year old Smith in his final season and a bunch of guys. Top pick Breshad Perriman hasn't been able to get on the field and who will emerge from Marlon Brown, Kamar Aiken, and Michael Campanaro. Anyone miss Torrey Smith?
• I like the young tight ends. Joe won't have that go to vet like Dennis Pitta or Owen Daniels but Crockett Gilmore looks ready, Maxx Williams could develop into a nice target and rookie Nick Boyle is an interesting project.
• Asa Jackson has the wheels to replace Jacoby Jones as the Ravens big-play kick returner, but can you trust bad hands and terrible ball security (2 PR fumbles), probably not. Keep looking Ozzie.
• Third round pick Carl Davis looks like a winner. The defensive lineman has made impact plays throughout the preseason and should get plenty of snaps as a rookie. No Ngata, no problem! Davis, Timmy Jernigan, Brandon Williams and company will help keep the defensive front stout.
• The key to the secondary will be the corners. If healthy Jimmy Smith is Pro Bowl caliber, Kyle Arrington was a nice add but you need 3 good ones. Can Lardarius Webb stay healthy can Rashaan Melvin do the job?
• With Lorenzo Taliaferro injured not sure how they stack up behind lead RB Justin Forsett. The Ravens like fourth round pick Buck Allen but he looked ordinary (2.5 a carry) in the preseason and was outplayed by fellow rookie Terrence Magee.
• Joe Flacco and the O-line is the key to the offense. The line is experienced and has depth (Urschel and Hurst) if they protect Joe and give Forsett room to run they'll be fine. What the Ravens lack in playmakers they'll make up for in toughness.
• QB Bryn Renner's play should earn him a spot on the practice squad.
• John Harbaugh showed great improvement in his game 4 halftime interview. Good questions and answers!