Ravens News 8/28: Praise for Alex Lewis, Billick’s thoughts and more

PFF’s Preseason Week 3 NFL Team of the Week - Gordon McGuinness

LEFT GUARD

Alex Lewis, Baltimore Ravens – 77.5

Lewis started at left guard for the Ravens and didn’t allow a single sack, hit or hurry from 23 pass-blocking snaps, giving him a perfect 100.0 pass blocking efficiency rating also. Lewis has looked comfortable in pass protection so far this preseason, with just one sack allowed from 66 pass-blocking snaps.

AFC North players Andy Dalton, Marcus Gilbert, Stephon Tuitt, Christian Kirksey, Terrance Mitchell and Myles Garrett also made PFF’s team of the week.

Titans remove WR Rishard Matthews from PUP, Place WR Michael Campanaro on Injured Reserve - Jim Wyatt

Campanaro was signed by the team earlier this offseason after playing previously with the Ravens, and he enjoyed a solid offseason before being slowed by an injury. Campanaro was back for training camp, but was sidelined again.

Unsurprisingly, Campanaro’s chronic injury issues followed him to Tennessee.

Thoughts on Ravens vs. Dolphins - Brian Billick

Robert Griffin III and the Ravens offense suffered through a lackluster opening two quarters that was rain soaked and sloppy. Snaps were errant. Throws were off target.

In the second half, the Ravens found their rhythm as Lamar Jackson opened up the running game led by a scorching 65-yard rushing touchdown by De’Lance Turner, who took it straight up the gut and didn’t look back, followed by yet another dazzling scoring run by Jackson himself.

Jackson, who has struggled with timing and touch throws in the short passing game, finished an impressive 7 for 10 with 98 yards and a touchdown.

His 70 percent rate was excellent, particularly when you compare it to the 40 percent, 38 percent and 46 percent he had in his first three games, but I’m talking more about ball placement than just completions.

While Lamar’s ball placement improved, Griffin’s declined against Miami. The battle to serve as the top backup quarterback will likely be determined in the preseason finale on Thursday.

NFL Power Rankings - Vinnie Iyer

21. Baltimore Ravens

Quarterback Joe Flacco seems rejuvenated thanks to the quietly quick trajectory of rookie passer Lamar Jackson behind him. The defensive mojo continues, but the loss of cornerback Jimmy Smith for a near fourth of the season hurts. Coach John Harbaugh has yet another up-and-down team.

With quality play across the offensive line, the Ravens can certainly exceed this ranking. Worth noting, 13 of Iyer’s top 20 teams reside in the NFC.