Ravens News 8/30: Backup quarterback battle, Perriman likely cut and more

Press Pass – NFL previews for every matchup during preseason Week 4 - Pro Football Focus

Who will be Flacco’s backup entering Week 1?

We all know Robert Griffin III isn’t the future of the Ravens but has he done enough to be locked into the backup quarterback role? Rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson had his best performance as a pro last week, finishing with an overall grade of 83.2, sixth among 62 qualifying quarterbacks with at least 10 dropbacks. RGIII, on the other hand, has struggled, posting a poor overall grade of 54.1, ranking 44th. Thursday’s contest could weigh heavily as the Ravens’ brass contemplates their next move at the quarterback position.

If the Ravens were comfortable with Ryan Mallett as their backup quarterback in seasons when Joe Flacco was returning from injury, Lamar Jackson seems plenty capable of manning that role. Furthermore, trading or releasing Griffin would allow the team to roster an additional offensive lineman, tight end or cornerback, positions where extra depth would be useful due to recent injuries and suspension.

Filmstudy: Jackson Rebounds Against Dolphins - Ken McKusick

Bozeman took a step back against the Dolphins. He was backed up to blow up 2 run plays. He also surrendered 1 full and 1 shared pressure as I scored it (see below for detail), which were the first pressure events I have noted for him this preseason. He’s looked slow when zone blocking, including several “crossed face” notes in the Colts game.

Orlando Brown had his first difficult game of the preseason with 3 pressure events in my notes. I have not yet scored him play by play. It was also his highest quality opponent, Cameron Wake (25 snaps). He’ll remain the starting RT against the Bills and he should be allowed to sit out the preseason finale.

The Ravens may have decided on the starting center for the opener, but they’ll unveil more information with the finale on Thursday. Specifically, if Alex Lewis takes snaps at center, it’s an indication the team may be moving away from Skura. If the snaps are split between Bozeman and Siragusa, it’s more likely Skura will start the Bills game.

With a week and a half until the season opener, three of the five starting offensive line jobs are still undetermined.

NFL roster bubble watch: Potential cut candidates, trade targets - Gregg Rosenthal

STRONG CANDIDATES TO BE CUT

Breshad Perriman, WR, Baltimore Ravens: The former first-round pick is no higher than No. 5 on the depth chart after falling behind Chris Moore. A fifth or sixth receiver in his fourth season who has no special teams value is not long for the NFL.

Perriman’s time in Baltimore is seemingly coming to an end after three unremarkable, injury marred seasons.

Take it to the Bank podcast

A review of the Ravens preseason win over the Dolphins, regular season roster preview and injury news.