Mike Preston Grades The Ravens Win Over The Vikings
Mike Preston writes a column for the Baltimore Sun in the sports section.
Every week Mike grades the Ravens performance, and here are his grades for the Ravens 29-26 win over the Minnesota Vikings.
Mike Preston's Report Card
Courtesy of the Baltimore Sun:
Quarterback: C+
He threw three interceptions, two of them poor choices, but he came through in crunch time again. Flacco plays better when he thinks less. Grade: C+
Running backs: C-
The Ravens had 97 yards on 27 carries, which doesn't seem like much, but this was one of the the Ravens' best games.Grade: C-
Receivers: C
It was nice having tight end Dennis Pitta back on the field, and he showed why he is Joe Flacco's go-to receiver with six catches for 48 yards. Rookie Marlon Brown came up big with seven catches for 92 yards, and he also played a major part inside the red zone. Grade: C
Offensive line: C-
In the last couple games, the Ravens' pass protection has gotten better, and the Ravens pushed the Vikings around in the fourth quarter. But the Ravens can't get short yardage when necessary, and that is unacceptable. Grade: C-
Defensive line: D
A recurring theme of the defense, particularly the line, is that it wears down in the second half. The Ravens gave up 89 rushing yards to Toby Gerhart, who doesn't remind anyone of John Riggins. Grade: D
Secondary: C-
Where was this group in crunch time? Again and again, Matt Cassel found receivers open across the middle, and the Ravens missed a lot of tackles. Grade: C-
Read the full grades at the baltimoresun.com
