Baltimore Beatdown - Ravens vs. Rams: Game HubA Baltimore Ravens Communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47159/baltimorebeatdown_fave.png2019-11-25T17:15:34-05:00http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/rss/stream/174359672019-11-25T17:15:34-05:002019-11-25T17:15:34-05:00Going Deep: ‘Truss’ and confidence make the difference
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<img alt="NFL: Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/L97urorJA5tiPGQ7jMHqfSVTmXY=/0x0:3098x2065/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65771501/usa_today_13681177.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>An in depth look at what’s made Lamar Jackson so great.</p> <p id="RSSnP4">In a nutshell, all NFL quarterbacks are capable of delivering the football where it needs to go. With a few exceptions, they can get the job done in terms of arm talent. Some are more accurate, some are more mobile. Undoubtedly, two traits separate capable quarterbacks from great ones:</p>
<p id="pxE4ew">• Trust</p>
<p id="PIx23V">• Confidence</p>
<p id="uuy61a">The two are imperative to being the best quarterback version of yourself. If you don’t trust your receivers, you will lose. If you aren’t confident that you can make all the throws, then you won’t try the tough ones. If you can’t make the tough throws, you won’t be great.</p>
<p id="sxZ2D3">So far in 2019, <span>Lamar Jackson</span> has <strong>only</strong> shown the confidence and trust required to be great. The entire <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> offense is rooted in Jackson’s abilities to make the right decision.</p>
<p id="qL0FEW">The Ravens are a power pistol play-action, option offense. Every read option or RPO will ask Jackson to make the right decision within the first three steps of the play. Most passing plays gives Jackson about three seconds, then the play asks, “Lamar, do you trust your receivers or your legs here?”</p>
<p id="JUzGcz">His response seems to simply be, “Yes.”</p>
<p id="RZ2N7s">If Jackson tucks, he will then ask himself what his coaches have drilled into his head, “Can you score here? If not, get down or go out of bounds.”</p>
<p id="vUf30y">The decisions that the 22 year old passer has made have resulted in six straight wins, including four straight games scoring 30 or more points. The Ravens have the best offense in the NFL, all due to one of their youngest players’ ability to analyze the field and distinguish good from bad, right from wrong. He does it in the blink of an eye.</p>
<p id="vNmAQs">Orchestrating an offense predicated upon resetting formations, motions, options, and play actions can be difficult for any quarterback, let alone a 22 year old passer with eight starts under his belt prior to this season.</p>
<p id="EQJBHS">Jackson has executed 105 RPO plays, 19 more than the next closest quarterback, Kyler Murray.</p>
<p id="lKa65q">No. 8 leads the NFL in total yardage from RPO’s with 849, while ranking first in rushing yards and third in passing yards from such plays.</p>
<p id="5wi6zT">Jackson has attempted the sixth most play action passes, while the Ravens have run the ball the second most in the league. The threat of the run never goes away. With so many moving parts, it’s easy to see why the Ravens offense is rolling at a historic pace in multiple facets.</p>
<p id="IqhzyW">Amidst the chaos that these RPO’ and play action fakes create, Jackson has now recorded <strong>eight</strong> turnover free games. Jackson has done so while carrying the ball 101 times (excluding kneel downs) and throwing the ball 279 times. That equates to 38 rushes/passes thrown per game. Considering the complexity of the Ravens offense and how aggressive Jackson is, only turning the ball over in two games is Jackson’s most impressive feat thus far.</p>
<p id="1Kjz6k">Speaking of Jackson’s aggressiveness, let’s quantify how gutsy No. 8 has been:</p>
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<li id="cyoJAs">
<a href="https://nextgenstats.nfl.com/stats/passing#aggressiveness">Intended air yards/throw: 9.1, 7th in the NFL.</a><br>Intended air yards take the total distance of all passes thrown and divide it by attempts. Simply put, how far does a passer throw the ball on average? Jackson trails <span>Matthew Stafford</span>, <span>Jameis Winston</span>, <span>Russell Wilson</span>, <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838560/patrick-mahomes-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Patrick Mahomes</a>, <span>Dak Prescott</span> and Ryan Tannehill. He ranks just ahead of <span>Josh Allen</span>, <span>Ryan Fitzpatrick</span>, Phillip Rivers and <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20841565/deshaun-watson-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">DeShaun Watson</a>. That listed is essentially the who’s who of ‘gunslingers’ in the league, and Jackson is right in the mix.</li>
<li id="FsvAWd">Aggressiveness %: 15.8, 17th in the NFL.<br>Aggressiveness measures what percentage of throws are made into a ‘tight window’ with a defender within one yard at the catch point. Jackson attempts more of these throws than <span>Patrick Mahomes</span>, <span>Aaron Rodgers</span>, <span>Tom Brady</span>, <span>Drew Brees</span>, <span>Kirk Cousins</span>, and many of the leagues passing leaders.</li>
<li id="Vo6roQ">Air Yards to the Sticks: 0.1, 7th in the NFL.<br>AYTS measures the amount of air yards ahead or behind the first down marker on all attempts for a passer. The metric indicates if the passer is attempting his passes past the 1st down marker, or if he is relying on his skill position players to make yards after catch.</li>
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<p id="4Qgc26">Translation, Jackson attacks downfield at a rate higher than all but 6 qualified passers.</p>
<p id="c3hfG6">Taking this context into consideration, Jackson has thrown five interceptions. Only six passers have started 10 or more games and thrown five interceptions or less.</p>
<p id="7BU2zH">Pushing the ball downfield + avoiding turnovers = points.</p>
<p id="RoLWdE">From that equation, it’s no wonder that Lamar Jackson is No. 1 in the football analytics community’s favorite statistic; estimated points added.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">ESPN's QBR pending SNF/MNF<br><br>Hello Lamar Jackson <a href="https://t.co/87E4nmZ5q4">pic.twitter.com/87E4nmZ5q4</a></p>— new-age analytical (@benbbaldwin) <a href="https://twitter.com/benbbaldwin/status/1198782429416316934?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2019</a>
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<p id="Qa6fY3">In summary, Jackson’s confidence and ‘truss’ are at Mt. Fuji level heights. He’s confident in his ability to make tough throws and he trusts his receivers to make the play. In game-defining moments, Jackson’s aggressiveness, trust and confidence have resulted in wins.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lamar Jackson lofts, Mark Andrews leaps.<br><br>First down <a href="https://twitter.com/Ravens?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ravens</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/Lj_era8?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lj_era8</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Mandrews_81?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MAndrews_81</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RavensFlock?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RavensFlock</a><br><br> : <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NEvsBAL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NEvsBAL</a> on NBC<br> : NFL app // Yahoo Sports app<br>Watch free on mobile: <a href="https://t.co/iejHcWRXCq">https://t.co/iejHcWRXCq</a> <a href="https://t.co/sS4c3wYl4j">pic.twitter.com/sS4c3wYl4j</a></p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1191195695463559168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Q1 6:40 - 4th & 3, Jackson & Andrews make it look like 7-on-7. Check out the ball placement. Give your TE an opportunity to play above the rim and use his height & size advantage. <a href="https://t.co/SnxfHNSNh3">pic.twitter.com/SnxfHNSNh3</a></p>— michael crawford (@abukari) <a href="https://twitter.com/abukari/status/1194441422310653954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This Lamar Jackson to Hollywood Brown connection is so fun to watch <a href="https://twitter.com/Lj_era8?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lj_era8</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Primetime_jet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Primetime_jet</a> <br><br> : FOX<br> : NFL app // Yahoo Sports app<br>Watch on mobile: <a href="https://t.co/y8YLGKmeTf">https://t.co/y8YLGKmeTf</a> <a href="https://t.co/Cbl5igJzcI">pic.twitter.com/Cbl5igJzcI</a></p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1173327957827280897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mark Andrews and Hollywood Brown doing serious work in the second quarter against the Steelers.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OUDNA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OUDNA</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoomerSooner?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoomerSooner</a> <a href="https://t.co/EWMPpmnM3p">pic.twitter.com/EWMPpmnM3p</a></p>— Sooner Gridiron (@soonergridiron) <a href="https://twitter.com/soonergridiron/status/1180906680835592199?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2019</a>
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<p id="9lJyHn">The trust and confidence have grown exponentially over, particularly during the Ravens win streak. The big time throws have occurred more regularly, which culminated in Jackson thrashing the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> from the pocket. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> Audio Breakdown<br><br> Empty- Scissors vs Quarters<br><br> Jackson throws a strike to Mark Andrews for the TD <a href="https://t.co/n9dkGnxPUu">pic.twitter.com/n9dkGnxPUu</a></p>— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) <a href="https://twitter.com/FB_FilmAnalysis/status/1197592202282553346?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Looks wide right, climbs into the thicket, and finds Seth Roberts. Lamar Jackson TD. <a href="https://t.co/jAOGf86sOH">pic.twitter.com/jAOGf86sOH</a></p>— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattWaldman/status/1196228867180105729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2019</a>
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<p id="RqmWXt">Jackson’s worst performance of the 2019 regular season thus far was in Pittsburgh. Jackson was hesitant to pull the trigger. He sailed a potential game winning touchdown throw over <span>Seth Roberts</span> head because he hesitated to get the ball out. Jackson ran into sacks that weren’t there. He still made enough plays to win the game, despite throwing three interceptions. That shaky performance started the Ravens current six game win streak.</p>
<p id="XjuoIz">The definitive play that seemingly propelled the Ravens into their current tear was the “Hell yeah, Coach, let’s go for it!”</p>
<p id="7WyZgT">Since then, every throw has had rhythm. Jackson hasn’t favored any one receiver, spreading the ball around to the likes of Andrews, Hurst, Boyle, Snead, Brown, <span>Roberts</span>, Boykin, Ingram... just whoever the hell is open. Jackson’s decisiveness has reached new heights, and every throw seems to be treated as “the big moment.”</p>
<p id="7HdxFw">Speaking of Jackson’s decisiveness, ESPN’s Next Gen Stat’s listed the defining statistic regarding each of the seven MVP frontrunners. For Jackson, NGS listed his prowess as a passer against the blitz.</p>
<blockquote><p id="q3yLXe">Lamar Jackson has taken the league by storm in his sophomore season, making his doubters from the 2018 draft process eat crow. Anyone who still thinks Jackson can’t be a superstar NFL QB can <a href="https://twitter.com/Ravens/status/1196177929568444416">go see Mark Ingram</a>. Jackson has been explosive and efficient on the ground, reaching 15+ mph on 55 runs (trailing only <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838555/dalvin-cook-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Dalvin Cook</a>, who has 63 runs of 15+ mph and 99 more carries than Jackson). The threat of the QB run in the Ravens’ option-based offense has made edge rushers more hesitant. Opposing edge rushers average 0.94 seconds to cross the line of scrimmage vs. the Ravens, the slowest pass rush get-off faced by any offense. This, combined with his pocket awareness and elusiveness, has given him the fifth-lowest pressure rate in the NFL (21.1%). Jackson has also shown great blitz recognition, throwing a TD on 13.8% of his attempts vs. the blitz (the only QB over 11%).</p></blockquote>
<p id="35FlKa">When a defense blitzes, it forces passers to make a ‘hot read’. In other words, who is coming open because the defense is blitzing? Jackson’s doing that better than any other QB in the league. Because of Jackson’s elusiveness and escapability, defenses aren’t firing off the ball as quickly, as NGS stated. If they do, Jackson will tuck and do just as much damage with his legs. <strong>In fact, Jackson is averaging an otherworldly 18.7 yards per carry when his opposition blitzes.</strong></p>
<p id="U714OI">Jackson and the Ravens will have their work cut out for them on offense tonight. The <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a> allow only 3.3 yards per carry, they haven’t surrendered more than 20 points in their past five games, and <span>Aaron Donald</span> is getting hot.</p>
<p id="FyPZ3Q">The Rams run defense has only allowed <strong>five</strong> rushes of 10+ yards in their past five games. Three of which came via <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/11/11/20959324/joe-mixon-fantasy-football-injury-trade-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Joe Mixon</a> and Giovanni Bernard. The Rams front seven attacks downhill and blows up plays in the backfield. <span>Aaron Donald</span> leads the NFL in tackles for loss (16) , and Dante Fowler ranks 16th (10). <span>Clay Matthews</span> is only two behind Fowler (8), despite missing three games due to a broken jaw.</p>
<p id="DVeot1">The Rams have the ability to blow run plays up in the backfield, resulting in a lot of second a long situations for the Ravens offense.</p>
<p id="W4perY">The Ravens will be forced to rely on Jackson’s decision making to lead them to victory. They will truss’ Lamar to play confidently. </p>
https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2019/11/25/20970187/going-deep-truss-and-confidence-make-the-difference-ravens-lamar-jackson-rams-aaron-donaldSpencer Schultz2018-08-10T11:13:16-04:002018-08-10T11:13:16-04:00PFF: Anthony Averett played well and Orlando Brown Jr. shines again
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<img alt="NFL: Pro Hall of Fame Game-Chicago Bears at Baltimore Ravens" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XpIVux9s1fW39M857zSoWR_MOO0=/439x540:3263x2423/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60793791/usa_today_11037163.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="Egt3D8"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.baltimorebeatdown.com%2F2018%2F8%2F10%2F17674794%2Fpff-anthony-averett-played-well-and-orlando-brown-jr-shines-again-breshad-perriman-touchdown" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pro Football Focus</a> had their eyes on last night’s exhibition against the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a> and found some exciting stats to share with the readers of Baltimore Beatdown!</p>
<h3 id="LnXFu5">Offense</h3>
<blockquote><p id="P7hMJr">Rookie tackle Orlando Brown looked the part again, allowing no pressures on 35 pass blocking snaps. The <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a>’ starting offensive line as a unit was solid, giving up only three hurries on the two drives they played together.</p></blockquote>
<p id="DOz5DU">This is Zeus Jr.’s second-straight pre-season game delivering impressive results. Against the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> he and <span>Jermaine Eluemunor</span> allowed only a single pressure each on 48 pass-blocking snaps, meaning he’s allowed only one pressure on 83 pass-blocking snaps. His fall to the third round is paying dividends with the Ravens now.</p>
<aside id="1JZufK"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"PFF: OT Orlando Brown Jr. and LB Kamalei Correa headline play in Hall of Fame Game","url":"https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2018/8/3/17647764/pff-ot-orlando-brown-jr-and-lb-kamalei-correa-headline-play-in-hall-of-fame-game-lamar-jackson"}]}'></div></aside><blockquote><p id="Csvwqo">Wide receiver <span>Breshad Perriman</span> bounced back from a shaky Hall of Fame game performance with a strong outing against the Rams. His 3.46 yards per route run ranked 10th among all WRs in the Thursday night games.</p></blockquote>
<p id="xIFsjS">The 2013 first-round pick desperately needed to get back on the board after the ugly drop-turned-interception against the Bears in the Hall of Fame Game. He caught two passes on the run and capped the night off with a deep touchdown grab in the fourth quarter. Now for Breshad to continue his play against the second-string defenders against the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a> on August 20.</p>
<h3 id="YWZwqa">Defense</h3>
<blockquote><p id="9k6OYo">Ravens edge defender <span>Kamalei Correa</span> failed to match his star Hall of Fame game performance, managing just one tackle on his 27 defensive snaps.</p></blockquote>
<p id="JOcDtV">He needed an encore performance to be in the conversation of the final 53-man roster, but with his quiet night and <span>Tim Williams</span> rocking it won’t be easy. There are still three more pre-season games left, though.</p>
<blockquote><p id="ebiRNf">The starting edge rusher duo of <span>Terrell Suggs</span> and <span>Matt Judon</span> each tallied a sack and a defensive stop on their nine snaps.</p></blockquote>
<p id="RU8FvA">Yes, in nine snaps both starting outside linebackers notched both a sack and a stop. Judon’s development from impressive D-II prospect to explosive edge-rusher has been one of the most fun progressions to watch these past few years.</p>
<blockquote><p id="4e4b5v">Fourth round pick <span>Anthony Averett</span> led the Ravens cornerbacks with 39 defensive snaps. He held his own under the high workload, allowing only two-of-six targets to be completed for 11 yards, and added a pass defense too.</p></blockquote>
<p id="PLQ7Jc">It’s no longer just me touting the rookie cornerbacks play in practice, but he’s replicating the skill in games and PFF is talking about him. If only the players above him on the depth chart weren’t also so darn talented, we could see more of him in the regular season.</p>
https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2018/8/10/17674794/pff-anthony-averett-played-well-and-orlando-brown-jr-shines-again-breshad-perriman-touchdownKyle Phoenix2018-08-09T23:30:02-04:002018-08-09T23:30:02-04:00Ravens vs. Rams: 4 best Ravens rookie performances
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<figcaption>Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="hMHjsZ">The <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> finish their second preseason game with a second win, and a couple rookies had something to do with it.</p>
<p id="KLXs8b"><span>Lamar Jackson</span></p>
<p id="11xx6I">Some good passes and some bad ones, including one bouncing off a defenders’ hands. But the young-gun also juked two defenders on his way for the nine-yard rushing touchdown. Just as Don Martindale says, “It’s never as good as it seems, nor is it as bad as it seems.”</p>
<p id="Vs4gRe"><span>Zach Sieler</span></p>
<p id="lBZVPI">The seventh-round pick took matters into his own hands and blew through the line for a big-time sack. I feel he’s now on the inside looking out. He has a real chance of making the final roster and I hope the team does keep him. The potential and motor is there.</p>
<p id="iQ0VDw"><span>Orlando Brown Jr.</span></p>
<p id="8WbsX5">He’s a tank. Great pass-blocking and run-blocking. He played a lot of snaps and I didn’t see anything other than great play from the Oklahoma product. I expect to see Zeus Jr. on the field come Week 1 against the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>.</p>
<p id="C9J6aQ"><span>Bradley Bozeman</span></p>
<p id="34Dulp">Some solid work sealing blocks for interior runs. He’s transitioning to NFL-caliber play quicker than some may have expected, though I don’t think he’s starter quality yet. If he can continue to utilize the leverage he’s playing with, he could become the center for either <span>Joe Flacco</span> or Lamar Jackson by next year.</p>
https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2018/8/9/17673492/ravens-vs-rams-5-best-ravens-rookie-performances-lamar-jackson-touchdown-sieler-sackKyle Phoenix2018-08-09T22:57:26-04:002018-08-09T22:57:26-04:00Ravens vs. Rams: MVP, stock-up & stock-down
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<img alt="Los Angeles Rams v Baltimore Ravens" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bP8u6qixPJfcCI3mCx4ajGbFmm4=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60788717/1014170156.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="XVCWj7">The <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> second pre-season game ends with a blowout victory over the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a>. Lamar scored a touchdown on a dazzling run and the excitement is in the air.</p>
<h3 id="x4epLP">
<strong>Game MVP: </strong><span><strong>Breshad Perriman</strong></span>
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<p id="Mr2tUs">A couple good catches helped keep him afloat, but a deep-route touchdown was just what the doctor ordered. He needed a big game and he delivered. Oh yeah, did I mention the touchdown?</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">. <a href="https://twitter.com/RGIII?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RGIII</a> finds <a href="https://twitter.com/B_Perriman11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@B_Perriman11</a> for the TD! <a href="https://t.co/Z5iGVGAMhg">pic.twitter.com/Z5iGVGAMhg</a></p>— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ravens/status/1027746043583070208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2018</a>
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<h3 id="gpURZX">Stock-up</h3>
<p id="9uYfbz"><span>Tim Williams</span> — Was my MVP until Breshad caught the touchdown. So close. He racked in two tackles plus the strip-sack and responded well after looking good in the Hall of Fame Game.</p>
<p id="eVh20W"><span>Gus Edwards</span> — The big man continues to produce on the snaps he’s earned. On 12 carries he rumbled for 57 yards, including a 25-yard burst through the middle.</p>
<p id="UVQmFe"><span>Lamar Jackson</span> — The rookie quarterback broke free in the red-zone and marched in for the nine-yard touchdown, but not until he shook two defenders.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">On the run.<a href="https://twitter.com/Lj_era8?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Lj_era8</a> <a href="https://t.co/AajgZdDwQt">pic.twitter.com/AajgZdDwQt</a></p>— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ravens/status/1027707583543427072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2018</a>
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<p id="Qn3lea"><span>Mark Thompson</span> — He’s behind Edwards on my depth chart, but he broke free for a 29-yard reception on a screen pass, which only further demonstrates <span>Kenneth Dixon</span>’s value in the passing game can be found elsewhere.</p>
<p id="aoieiP"><span>Chris Moore</span> — He’s a roster lock, but I’m not going to brush over his leaping catch. I’ve said it before, he makes far too many dazzling catches for what we expect from him.</p>
<p id="UbwJtk"><span>Patrick Ricard</span> — Another lock on my roster, but a big-man touchdown is always worth talking about.</p>
<p id="ddRdpm"><span>Maurice Canady</span> — He’s a tall player, but even he had to climb the ladder for the interception this evening. What a jump and what a play.</p>
<p id="9dAjkV"><span>Breshad Perriman</span> — Two solid catches where he turned up-field. Then a monstrous go-route touchdown!</p>
<p id="rKCDOD"><span>Zach Sieler</span> — He’s a real option here for the Ravens defensive line. A man this big and strong is somebody worth keeping on the roster, especially when they can swim through a block for the 12-yard sack.</p>
<p id="55S3Xu"><span>Alvin Jones</span> — Special teams is important and he did great with the one-on-one tackle after releasing from a block.</p>
<h3 id="xX4mt9">Stock-down</h3>
<p id="xIHUuo"><span>Jordan Lasley</span> — A bad drop and zero catches from the rookie.</p>
<p id="FcOQTk"><span>Jaleel Scott</span> — Only a single reception for nine yards. He should be producing more.</p>
<p id="Cu297t"><span>Stanley Jean-Baptiste</span> — He allowed the lone-touchdown from the Ravens while Canady had an interception. He also didn’t produce well on special teams.</p>
<p id="cQ6k3n"><span>Bronson Kaufusi</span> — He needs to stand out to make the roster and I saw far more Sieler than the BYU product.</p>
<p id="q4tNP2"><span>Kamalei Correa</span> — After a crazy game last week, Correa only produced a single solo tackle. He needs more to make the roster.</p>
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https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2018/8/9/17673370/ravens-vs-rams-mvp-stock-up-stock-down-tim-williams-lamar-jackson-touchdown-breshad-perrimanKyle Phoenix2018-08-09T19:00:02-04:002018-08-09T19:00:02-04:00Ravens vs. Rams: Open thread
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<img alt="St Louis Rams v Baltimore Ravens" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/I5sB3UjSgtF2WiwjQvM60RL3MmA=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60786483/498320030.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="j0Psbx">The first pre-season home game starts tonight with the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> taking on the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> after two joint practices earlier this week. <span>Joe Flacco</span> and the offense will get a few reps in, but I suspect we’ll see more of <span>Robert Griffin III</span>, <span>Lamar Jackson</span> and <span>Josh Woodrum</span> over Flacco.</p>
<aside id="M0KVHs"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Ravens vs. Rams 2018: Game time, TV schedule, streaming and more","url":"https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2018/8/8/17664468/ravens-vs-rams-2018-game-time-tv-schedule-streaming-and-more-joe-flacco-lamar-jackson-film-breakdown"}]}'></div></aside><p id="ID9W09">If you’re also interested in watching other pre-season games, check out Sage Morander’s <em>Quick Hits.</em></p>
<aside id="2KVij6"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Quick Hits: Preseason Week 1","url":"https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2018/8/9/17644002/quick-hits-preseason-week-1-baker-mayfield-saquon-barkley-bradley-chubb-sam-darnold"}]}'></div></aside><hr class="p-entry-hr" id="dozADT">
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https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2018/8/9/17672634/ravens-vs-rams-open-thread-preseason-week-1-preview-game-time-tv-schedule-los-angeles-baltimoreKyle Phoenix2018-08-09T14:30:02-04:002018-08-09T14:30:02-04:00Q&A with Turf Show Times
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<img alt="NFL: Los Angeles Rams-OTA" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/viuFLoUGTIuWeDbKZg44ADkd1GM=/583x853:6687x4922/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60783289/usa_today_10900850.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="X9Cve9">A couple of joint practices are not enough to understand the opponent for the Ravens tonight, therefore Turf Show Times managing editor Joe McAtee and I exchanged a few questions to better inform both fan-bases.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="k8itXS">
<p id="vby1x1">1.) Who are <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a> fans cheering for that is a dark-horse candidate to make the final 53-man roster?</p>
<p id="mq3KO2">Sign of the apocalypse (though given how things are going these days, I think we’ve got plenty): Rams fans aren’t really worried about the 53-man roster since the starting roster is, well, really, really good. In normal years, we’d be looking at the roster battles as legitimate impacts on the Rams’ season. I don’t think that’s the case this year. So with that being said, there hasn’t been as much momentum behind the roster fringe battles. In other words, IT’S GREAT TO NOT BE BAD.</p>
<p id="D3Rfnh">That being said, there are a couple intriguing battles. The jobs to backup QB <span>Jared Goff</span> and RB <span>Todd Gurley</span> aren’t set in stone. And while backup QB <span>Sean Mannion</span> is in his fourth year, the rest of the QB depth chart is pretty new and the Rams drafted rookie RB <span>John Kelly</span>, so plenty to look for there. The WR depth chart is really interesting too. Steven Mitchell had a somewhat quiet career at USC, but improved in 2017. SoCal prospects always play well for Rams fans since relocating back to LA.</p>
<p id="tgTC7K">Defensively, the Rams’ linebacking unit is wiiiiiiiiiiiiide open. Three starters from the OLB & MLB spots are gone in OLB <span>Robert Quinn</span>, ILB <span>Alec Ogletree</span> and OLB Connor Barwin. So with promotions and new blood, there’s a ton for Rams fans to look at. If we’re looking for a true dark horse candidate, it might be the UDFA rookie out of Indiana, LB Tegray Scales. I’d throw rookie UDFA S <span>Steven Parker</span> in there too; he had a nice career at Oklahoma and could be the newest UDFA safety for the Rams in the mold of <span>Rodney McLeod</span> or <span>Darian Stewart</span>.</p>
<p id="WTkdLg"></p>
<p id="pfGuIW">2.) The Rams look like they’re going all-in for a championship this season. Is there any area they are weak at where <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> fans should watch for?</p>
<p id="E9lhGF">Well, yes, but I don’t know how much of the starting weaknesses we’ll see. I’m worried about the O-line holding up all year. They didn’t suffer an injury all year despite the advanced age of LT <span>Andrew Whitworth</span> and C John Sullivan. The Rams were perilously thin there last year, so they drafted three new linemen in <span>Joseph Noteboom</span>, <span>Brian Allen</span> and <span>Jamil Demby</span>. I think most Rams fans are eager to see all of them in action. And the aforementioned linebacker slots. The turnover alone means a lot of action for reserves from 2017 and new names. But it’s worth pointing out the QB depth chart since, compared to the Ravens’, it’s much, much weaker. It might prevent the wide receiver and tight end depth from being in position to make plays.</p>
<p id="s0EL51"></p>
<p id="T0kG7z">3.) When the third-string units are on the field, who are the players to watch for on offense and defense?</p>
<p id="4oUNCw">Offensive line jumps to the fore, but I’d also keep an eye on TE Temarrick Hemingway. He broke his leg in the preseason last year and missed all of 2017, so I’m sure he’s eager to get involved in the Sean McVay era.</p>
<p id="Zj9o8V">Defensively, there’s much more youth to work through. That being said, I’m unsure of the rotation. Fourth-round pick DL <span>John Franklin-Myers</span> is a small school prospect out of Stephen A. Austin. And while DL <span>Sebastian Joseph-Day</span> saw stronger competition at Rutgers, he came 60 picks later in the sixth round. Not sure how those guys line up or when. Fifth-round pick <span>Micah Kiser</span> was a tackle machine at Virginia. One other guy I’m interested in is DB Ramon Richards. The Rams have a ton of guys of that stature (<6’, <190 lbs.) ESPECIALLY compared to a secondary like yall’s. Clearly, there’s a role there that Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips covets. Richards did a bit of everything at Oklahoma State, so maybe he’s just got enough natural skills to compete at this level.</p>
https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2018/8/9/17671724/q-a-with-turf-show-times-ravens-rams-preview-preseason-gameKyle Phoenix2018-08-09T09:14:56-04:002018-08-09T09:14:56-04:00Quick Hits: Preseason Week 1
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<img alt="NFL: New York Giants-Training Camp" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/T18p7wnPoWmz3YTbsheiSPdz-cc=/0x0:2386x1591/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60778327/usa_today_10987062.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>What to watch for around the NFL</p> <p id="QyyjGT">With the Hall of Fame Game in the rear view, the rest of the league kicks off their preseason slate starting tonight. While the final score is virtually meaningless, preseason contests serve as a prime time audition for those on the fringe of a roster spot, a platform for rookies to acclimate to the NFL and an opportunity for veterans to ramp up to ‘real’ game speed. Below are story lines to watch for around the league this week. </p>
<h3 id="XFAUN1">Rookie debuts </h3>
<p id="IhD8Kx">In a bit of strategic scheduling, The NFL’s top two picks in the 2018 draft will square off in Week 1 of the preseason. Number one overall pick <span>Baker Mayfield</span> will see considerable playing time, given that former <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> back up quarterback <span>Tyrod Taylor</span> is slated to be the starter for the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a>. Considering Taylor’s journeyman career, the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner is certainly within striking distance of taking over the top spot on the depth chart, especially if he shines during the preseason and proves his size will not limit his ability to produce as a franchise quarterback. <span>Saquon Barkley</span>, selected second by the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">Giants</a>, is one of the most anticipated talents coming out of the draft, and he is already a hot commodity on the fantasy football market. It will be intriguing to see how Barkley’s electric athleticism, good for two 18 touchdown seasons at Penn State, will translate to the pro level. </p>
<p id="I7CNhf"> NC State linebacker <span>Bradley Chubb</span> will debut against the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> on Saturday. He has already impressed the Denver coaches enough during training camp to be slated number one on the depth chart. However, the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a> have one of the best defense’s in the league, so <span>Chubb</span> will still have to keep pace with an aggressive clip and expectation at Mile High. </p>
<p id="o7pcIZ">Over in Miami, 11th overall pick safety <span>Minkah Fitzpatrick</span> is striving to work his way up the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a> depth chart. As an Alabama product, Fitzpatrick is no stranger to excellence. During his three years in Tuscaloosa, he recorded 110 solo tackles, five sacks, nine interceptions and four touchdowns. The preseason will be an opportunity for him to prove he deserves the edge over <span>T.J. McDonald</span> who is entering his second year with the organization. </p>
<h3 id="i8qzjw">QB competitions</h3>
<p id="vD2ipt">With a whirlwind offseason for the quarterback position, many organizations will rely heavily on the preseason as a means to name a Week 1 regular season starter. Some competitions to key in on include the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a>, the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">Jets</a> and the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a>.</p>
<p id="CJYEEO">Against the <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Panthers</a> on Thursday, Buffalo will distribute reps between <span>AJ McCarron</span>, <span>Nathan Peterman</span> and rookie Josh Allen. Drafted in 2014 by the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a>, McCarron has played in just 11 NFL games, starting in only three of those contests back in 2015 for a 2-1 record. <span>Peterman</span> was a fifth-round selection by the Bills in 2017, and he started two games last season when the Bills attempted to shake up the team by benching starter Tyrod Taylor. </p>
<p id="m6X1GN">The Bills will likely view Allen as the quarterback of the future if either veteran performs well. However, as a top 10 pick, the Wyoming product could be poised to start sooner rather than later, given that both McCarron and Peterman have underwhelming resumes. With such limited experience among the trio, the starting role will be solidified based on the next four weeks.</p>
<p id="dyOvHr">On Friday, the Jets will test the skills of <span>Sam Darnold</span>, <span>Teddy Bridgewater</span> and <span>Josh McCown</span>. The Jets are in a similar spot to the Bills, with two shaky veterans and one unproven high draft pick vying for the job. <span>Bridgewater</span>, who once held great promise, suffered a gruesome ACL tear during training camp in 2016 and has never fully returned to form. McCown has bounced around the league since being drafted in 2002, with a 23-50 record as a starter. Sam Darnold will look to avoid the fate of many highly touted USC quarterbacks and become a successful NFL starter. Like Allen in Buffalo, the window is wide open for Darnold to being that campaign immediately. </p>
<p id="yLBBmv">With the retirement of <span>Carson Palmer</span>, the Cardinals are evaluating <span>Sam Bradford</span>, <span>Josh Rosen</span> and Mike Glennon. To mirror the Bills and Jets, Arizona’s quarterback room is filled with uncertainty. The two veteran have struggled to produce whether due to injury in <span>Bradford</span>’s case or an inadequate skill set in regards to Glennon. Rosen was a polarizing figure throughout the draft process, and the UCLA quarterback has drawn unfair criticism for having other interests outside of football. Bradford has not played a full season since 2012, and Glennon has a career winning percentage of 37.5. Like his rookie counterparts in Buffalo and New York, Rosen will have the opportunity to win the regular season reps if he produces in the preseason. </p>
<h3 id="jvDIZ2">Unlikely heroes </h3>
<p id="kJHiTR">The preseason is when under the radar, thinly scouted players are able to make a name for themselves and force an NFL team to grant them an unexpected roster spot. Who will be the next player to replicate <span>Victor Cruz</span>’s break out performance in the 2010 preseason as an undrafted free agent out of UMass? Who will be the next surprise hometown hero like <span>Adam Thielen</span> from Division II Minnesota State? Bleacher Report <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2777669-every-nfl-teams-most-exciting-udfa-addition">breaks down</a> the most intriguing undrafted free agent for all 32 teams. </p>
<p id="dmuKCT"></p>
https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2018/8/9/17644002/quick-hits-preseason-week-1-baker-mayfield-saquon-barkley-bradley-chubb-sam-darnoldSage Morander2018-08-09T09:00:02-04:002018-08-09T09:00:02-04:00Three players who must exceed expectations in the Ravens-Rams preseason game
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<img alt="NFL: Baltimore Ravens-Training Camp" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HizkyM_5UGE7kfbdpasSSwK6kUI=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60774577/usa_today_10975996.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="QOz0w0">The <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> will face the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a> in their second of five preseason games tonight. A tough opponent such as Los Angeles will prove a good test for Baltimore’s young players. Whether trying to solidify a starting role or just make the 53-man roster, here are three players who need strong performances:</p>
<p id="3nFbVK"><span><em><strong>Patrick Onwuasor</strong></em></span><em><strong> </strong></em></p>
<p id="K2OVpW">The former undrafted inside linebacker won the starting job next to <span>C.J. Mosley</span> last year and enjoyed a solid season. Starting all 16 games, <span>Onwuasor</span> finished with 90 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. A major weakness for Baltimore’s inside linebacker’s in 2017, however, was pass coverage, specifically against tight ends. </p>
<p id="kU6s2T">To help fix this issue, the Ravens drafted inside linebacker <span>Kenny Young</span> from UCLA in the fourth round of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">2018 NFL Draft</a>. Young’s strongest attribute entering the draft was his coverage ability, with run defense being his main weakness. So far through training camp and the Hall of Fame game, Young has looked strong against the run, which shouldn’t come as a big surprise given Baltimore’s history of successfully developing linebackers. If Young can continue to impress on the field, then he could find himself starting over Onwuasor. </p>
<p id="IpE4g2">Onwuasor could fight back the rookie with a strong performance of his own against the Rams highly explosive offense, which is led by the 2017 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, running back Todd Gurley. Gurley will provide a daunting challenge for the third-year linebacker, as he looks to prove himself still worthy of the starting job.</p>
<p id="Ewop5L"><span><em><strong>Matt Skura</strong></em></span></p>
<p id="wCxfDu">After losing center <span>Ryan Jensen</span> in free agency, the Ravens now have an open competition for the position, mainly between <span>Skura</span> and Alex Lewis. Skura was the favorite to win the starting role heading into training camp, but he has reportedly struggled with bigger defensive tackles. Lewis has performed slightly better, but has a history of injuries. Skura could take the lead again with a sturdy game against Los Angeles. </p>
<p id="ddvmf4">The Rams boast an intimidating defensive line, most notably <span>Aaron Donald</span> and Ndamukong Suh. With Donald currently holding out due to contract negotiations, Skura will only face Suh this preseason. This will be a prime opportunity for him to show that he can handle elite defensive lineman. With tackles such as <span>Geno Atkins</span> in the AFC North, Skura must show that he can match up with Suh if he hopes to win the starting job.</p>
<p id="nnGw9l"><span><em><strong>Albert McClellan</strong></em></span></p>
<p id="GK9ktD">After missing all of the 2017 season with a torn ACL, the special teams captain now hopes to prove he still belongs in Baltimore. <span>McClellan</span>’s main competition is former second-round pick Kamalei Correa. Correa was a key special teams player last season, and is coming off of a huge performance against the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> in the Hall of Fame game, where he had three sacks, a forced fumble and an interception. Correa offers the same versatility on defense as McClellan, playing both inside and outside linebacker. </p>
<p id="DE8aBf">McClellan’s leadership has been constantly praised by Ravens special teams coach Jerry Rosburg, so he has that in his favor over Correa. In the Hall of Fame game, however, McClellan did not look good, allowing a long gain through the air and a passing touchdown to fullback Michael Burton. At 32-years old, Baltimore may choose to finally part ways with the veteran. Correa, a former second-round pick, could sway the Ravens to keep him as well. </p>
<p id="gyv3Nh">If McClellan rebounds against Los Angeles with a solid game, then the coaching staff would be more inclined to keep the seasoned special teams leader. It’s possible that both McClellan and Correa could make the roster, but with so much competition at seemingly every position, it would be hard to justify keeping two very similar players.</p>
<p id="2C6zSR"></p>
https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2018/8/9/17661308/three-players-who-must-exceed-expectations-in-ravens-rams-preseason-game-onwuasor-skura-mcclellanDustin Cox