Ravens report card vs the Cowboys: The defense and special teams
The Baltimore Ravens beat the Dallas Cowboys in the second game of the preseason 37 to 30. For the first report card on the offense go here. Here is the report card on the defense.
Defensive line: The first team defensive line played well at times but needed to create more pressure. Courtney Upshaw had an explosive play with fumble recovery and return. Pernell McPhee had the only sack of the game. The first team players had a few tackles for loss that really hurt the Cowboys’ drives. The first team line played well but the depth showed weak late in the game. The Cowboys averaged 4.5 yards per carry and run stopping was a weakness. Grade B
Linebackers: C.J. Mosley continues to show why the Ravens selected him in the first round. He was again all over the field making plays and lead the team in tackles for the second straight week. Terrell Suggs, Daryl Smith and Arthur Brown also had noteworthy showings. Grade B+
Secondary: Brynden Trawick stood out and had a very impressive game grabbing the Ravens’ lone interception. Unfortunately, he dropped another. Rookie Terrence Brooks also had some impressive tackles and looked sharp. Matt Elam did not have a very good game and Jimmy Smith left the game very early. The first team secondary missed some assignments and allowed Tony Romo to go four for five with a touchdown. Grade B
Special Teams: Deonte Thompson made a statement and put on a show with his 108-yard touchdown return. Thompson averaged 62.7 yards a return. Justin Tucker looked sharp again only missing a long 61-yard field goal. Grade A
Coaching Staff: The Ravens were smart by keeping Joe Flacco in longer than expected so he could get back on track. The running game was great and the Ravens were leading the entire game. The Ravens cannot be happy with how the third string played. Work still needs to be done with the secondary and defensive line; both units are short because of injuries. Grade A
