Ravens @ Falcons Preseason game 1

raven5255 · Joined: 06 Jan 2005 Posts: 13635

First preseason game of 2012 is almost here!

Most starters are expected to play about a quarter, some a little more and some a little less.

Injury news:
Harbaugh recently said that all players who missed Tuesdays practice will not play in tomorrow nights game. That includes: Jimmy Smith, Dannell Ellerbe, Josh Bynes, Darryl Blackstock, Art Jones, Matt Birk, Bernard Pierce and Patrick Williams. Players who recently returned to practice (Upshaw, Doss) and some of the veterans (Reed, Lewis) may also be out. Jah Reid and David Reed remain on the PUP list.

A couple of things Im looking forward to seeing...

Rookie Olinemen: Gino Gradkowski will replace Birk and should get a lot of action. It will be interesting to see if they let McKinnie start the game at left tackle or if he comes in with the 2nd team, either way K.O should also get plenty of snaps. A lot of people in the media have made note of his impressive play. Also want to get a look at the UDFA Jack Cornell who might be able to push for one of the final roster spots.

Backup RB: There's been talk about the Ravens possibly adding a veteran behind Rice so these first 2 preseason games will really be key for building up some confidence in the young guys. Pierce is obviously out and Rice wont play much so the remaining 3 should get a lot of chances. Allen apparently hasnt been impressive, but his running style doesnt translate well to practices so getting him some live game action will be good. Also looking forward to seeing what Bobby Rainey can do.

Pass rush: This one is obvious and Im sure everyone is eager to see how the young guys look. Assuming Upshaw is out, I think Kruger and McClellan will get the starts but Kindle should play extensively as well. I think Chavis Williams could be a big wild card and impess some people late in games. Ive heard him singled out as someone to keep an eye on quite a few times.

Depth in the secondary: The starting safeties and top 4 cornerbacks are locks but there is a lot of competition behind those 6. Asa Jackson has drawn praise for his play. Gorrer, Chykie Brown and Emmanuel Cook might be fighting for the final 1 or 2 spots. Most of these guys will play extensively on special teams as well.

Kicking competition: Another obvious one. A lot will depend on what kind of opportunities these guys get, but Im sure we'll all be curious to see how they respond to a game situation.

Bubble Players I expect to impress-
Offense: RB Anthony Allen, WR Logan Payne, OT Jack Cornell
Defense: DT Bryan Hall, LB Chavis Williams, LB Nigel Carr

rayvens4sb · Joined: 30 Dec 2010 Posts: 199 Location: US

you left out sergio kindle. there is still hope for him

coordinator0 · Joined: 18 Jan 2008 Posts: 5886

Ugh, I don't put a lot of stock into the preseason games but there are quite a few guys I really wanted to see play sitting out because of injuries. Hopefully this isn't a precursor for the season to come.

As for the guys that are playing I'm most looking forward to seeing the depth guys, well, everywhere. There are a lot of new backups and it will be nice to get a feel for what they can do.

raven5255 · Joined: 06 Jan 2005 Posts: 13635

diamondbull424 · Joined: 02 Dec 2007 Posts: 10033 Location: Baltimore, MD

Clearly I'm interested in seeing how Sergio Kindle looks out there, especially in comparison to how he looked last year in the preseason.

I'm dissapointed to not see Jimmy Smith get some playing time, I wanted to see if he's made a "leap" but it's probably for the best anyway as the CB depth will be key to see. I really want to see how Corey Graham looks in a game setting.

I'm also really looking to see how our special teams looks from top to bottom. Obviously its not going to be the final group, but we brought in some special teams guys to improve the units (including Graham) so I'm hoping those units will look the part.

And my greatest hope for this game:
Billy Cundiff- 0/2, 43 long
Justin Tucker- 3/3, 54 long

Team Tucker FTW!!! Cool

_________________

Blind arrogance sows the field of it's own destruction. - Commander Greil, Fire Emblem

raven5255 · Joined: 06 Jan 2005 Posts: 13635

My focus will definitely be on the offensive line. McKinnie claims that he will play "a lot" and Im really excited to see how K.O and Gradkowski play.

FlaccoForever · Joined: 12 Jul 2011 Posts: 280

Inactives:

FlaccoForever · Joined: 12 Jul 2011 Posts: 280

Another update:

raven5255 · Joined: 06 Jan 2005 Posts: 13635

No real surprises in the inactives. Pretty cool that Kindle will get the start. I also like that theyre sticking with Oher and K.O starting at tackle. Maybe McKinnie really will have to earn his spot back. Emmanuel Cook will be fighting for one of the final roster spots so he should get a good test.

Jgoldiscool · Joined: 29 Sep 2009 Posts: 4062 Location: Chandler, AZ

Good luck on the game tonight fellas. Hopefully it is a good one and that there are no injuries!

b-rave11 · Joined: 04 Mar 2007 Posts: 534

Welp. That was a less than ideal start. Cary Williams is giving his guys too much of a cushion

wackywabbit · Joined: 20 Dec 2009 Posts: 3872

Integrity · Joined: 09 Mar 2006 Posts: 3878 Location: Columbia

mddeckie · Joined: 07 Sep 2008 Posts: 329

wackywabbit · Joined: 20 Dec 2009 Posts: 3872