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The Ravens carried their momentum over from Week 1 with a hard-fought victory against the Arizona Cardinals. We will track the 2019 rookie class progress following each game based on performance and snap count.
Marquise Brown
After playing just 14 snaps in week 1, Hollywood led all receivers with 53 snaps and 13 targets, putting to bed the notion that he was going to see limited playing time moving forward. Brown proved to be much more than just a home run hitting deep threat as he was targeted all over the field. Aside from his obvious speed, Brown showed off an impressive route tree and sure hands making him the complete receiver the Ravens have been looking for. When asked if Brown’s sure hands haven’t been discussed enough after the emphasis has been put on his speed, Harbaugh responded “Oh, no, YOU haven’t probably, but I did. He’s got special hands.” It’s clear that the team is very high on Brown and his chemistry with Lamar Jackson this early in the season is undeniable. The highlight of the day came on a 3rd and 11 late in the fourth quarter with the Cardinals threatening to get the ball back with over three minutes left down by six. Brown ran a slot fade and with the defender draped all over him, Jackson placed the ball where only he could get it and reeled in a sideline catch to move the chains and essentially ice the game. It was the biggest spot of the young season and the coaching staff showed no hesitation in placing it on the shoulders of their young dynamic duo.
Miles Boykin
Boykin was relatively quiet in his second professional game, aside from an impressive sideline grab to move the chains. He continues to see plenty of snaps finishing with 38 on the day, ranking third among the receiving core. One play stood out as Boykin was open on a shallow cross and as Jackson delivered the pass, Boykin stopped in his tracks instead of running through the route which would have resulted in a completion. It’s hard to tell if this was rookie mistake as he found the soft spot in the defense or if he sensed a big hit coming and pulled up. Nonetheless, Boykin still has some things to work out in his game to become a polished receiver, but the snaps are there to be productive. He is struggling with gaining separation in his routes and that will be key in seeing more targets moving forward.
Justice Hill
Hill continues to be used in a limited role and on a day where the running game struggled, he finished with 16 snaps and only one carry for four yards. He added one catch for ten yards which was close to resulting in a touchdown, getting the Ravens down to the one-yard line. At this point it is tough to project a consistent role in the offense, although he carries some value in the passing game and should continue to get snaps in those situations when Ingram needs a breather. It will be interesting to see if Hill is used more in a shootout situation, which could be the case when they travel to Kansas City.
Patrick Mekari
Mekari was active for the second-straight week but did not record a snap. This game came down to the end and all five starters accounted for the complete 79 snaps. Undrafted out of college, Mekari has found a role as a back up on game day but it would take an injury to see the field.
Inactives
OLB Jaylon Ferguson
OG Ben Powers
DT Daylon Mack
QB Trace McSorley
LB Otaro Alaka