The Baltimore Ravens won their first-preseason game last night 17-12 against the Carolina Panthers, with no significant injuries being the most important result.
In no particular order, here were a couple of observations of mine:
1) Oniel Cousins would not be a serviceable RT, he would be a constant liability. This should not be a surprise to anyone, but I hope everyone remembers this.
2) If Zbikowski is currently a starting Safety, it is a poor decision to have him back returning Punts. Especially in the first pre-season game with lots of of available options.
2a) Zbikowski obviously is not Reed, but he is a playmaker.
3) Prince Miller helped his cause last night by just missing a pick, and with his long punt return.
4) Ed Dickson is every bit the athlete he has been advertised as. His catch in traffic was excellent. You can see the separation he gets when matched on LB’s or Safeties. You put him in two TE sets working the seam, and it opens up the outside. Pitta showed good hands / effort on that overruled sideline catch.
5) Give it up to Mark Clayton for stepping-up and making a couple of plays. I continue to think the Ravens will carry 5 wideouts, and Clayton probably locked up the 4th last-night.
6) Tavares Gooden had two quick bursts through the line towards the QB last night, and was credited with 1 sack. Will be interesting to watch him the next few weeks.
7) I was very excited by the 1.5 sacks and effort of Paul Kruger. That was certainly one of the highlights of the night.
8) Mt. Cody first shows up on offense as the backup Fullback, and then makes his presence felt on the Defensive line. I thought he looked in good condition for such a big man. Certainly is an athlete with the way he moves. Just swallowed up a couple of backs. He also was getting push up the middle, and collapsing the pocket.
9) Demetrius Williams had a couple of catches, Reed had a could of good returns.
10) The starting O-line (including Oher, and Grubbs) were bull-rushed a couple of times.
11) Cary Williams had the pick, and a nice play in the end-zone, but was picked on a bit.
12) Mason has to be very excited about the attention Boldin will command.
13) Flacco looked great on screens, particularly to McGahee.
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Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.