Preview: Ravens Look to Extend Streak Versus Cardinals
The Baltimore Ravens take on the Arizona Cardinals in their second preseason game of 2022, looking to extend their historic preseason win streak to 22 games. While many of the starters won’t suite up for the Ravens, similar to their first preseason game. The importance of Sunday nights game for several Ravens looking to make the 53-man roster will be something to keep a close eye on.
Ravens Quarterback Play
Quarterback Lamar Jackson won’t be taking the field on Sunday, missing his second straight preseason game, and while Jackson is the obvious starter come week one, backups Tyler Huntley and Anthony Brown Jr will look to make the case for why they should be the number two behind Jackson.
Huntley saw the bulk of the snaps last Thursday against the Titans playing the entire first half going 16-for-18 passing, 109 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. Unless things change Huntley is poised to once again be the backup to Jackson heading into the season. However, the undrafted rookie out of Oregon, Anthony Brown Jr is making his case to remain on this Ravens roster. Brown in a quarter and a half completed 10 passes on 15 attempts for 117 yards, and added 14 yards on the ground on two attempts.
Brown showed great pocket awareness and decision making for a player seeing his first NFL game action. Brown will look to build on his strong start to the preseason against the Cardinals as he will see his snaps increase after the Ravens cut quarterback Brett Hundley, leaving only Brown and Tyler Huntley as the two active quarterbacks for Sunday.
Linebacker Depth
Much like the Ravens offense, the Ravens defense will also likely be without many of the regular starters. Making way for those looking to be crucial depth pieces for a Ravens defense that desperately needs key rotational players. The biggest question for this Ravens defense is the linebacker position. While Josh Bynes looks to be the “starter” next to Patrick Queen the Ravens need to find young player that can rotate in, specifically on passing downs.
Navy product Diego Fagot who saw limited action finished last weeks game with four tackles leading all linebackers, while also showing that doesn’t shy away from contact. The other linebackers on the roster include Malik Harrison and Kristian Welch. As well as rookies Josh Ross, Zakoby McClain, and Jeremiah Moon.
Outside of Bynes and Queen the remaining roster spots at the linebacker position are up for grabs. Welch is a strong special teams player which helps his case to make the final roster, and Josh Ross will look to build on his three tackle performance from a week ago. Moon, McClain, and Harrison will be players to keep an eye on against the Cardinals as time is running out to show coaches they can make an impact on this Ravens defense.
Players to Watch
Sunday’s matchup will be a battle of rookies and those looking to make an NFL roster. The Cardinals, much like the Ravens, will be unlikely to play many of their starters like quarterback Kyler Murray, and former Ravens Marquise Brown. But while the product on the field may not be the star studded affair many fans are accustomed to, players fighting for their football lives can bring about some of the most intense and hard fought football you will see.
The Ravens in particular will have several players they could become key contributors for this team throughout the year on the field on Sunday. Including rookie first round pick Kyle Hamilton who will look to improve on his so-so NFL debut, safety Geno Stone who recorded an interception last Thursday night. Rookie running back Tyler Badie will be another player to watch. As Badie will likely see an increase in snaps after the release of fellow running back Corey Clement this past week.
