The Maryland Sports Blog

Quarterback: Joe Flacco was amazing. He has a QB rating of 129.6.  He only missed on seven of his passes.  Sure, some were dump-offs to running back Ray Rice but they were very effective.

Grade: A

Running Backs: Ray Rice dominated this game.  He ran for 88 yards but also had 97 receiving yards on only seven receptions. Willis McGahee also played well when he got touches, including a touchdown reception.

Grade: A+

Receivers: The wide receivers were covered well this game but they did not need to do anything special since the running game was working so well.

Grade: C+

Offensive Line: They blocked well at times, but when in the redzone they broke down and let Miami get to Flacco. The run blocking was good.

Grade: C

Defensive Line: Ngata had another strong performance, but they needed to put more pressure on Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne, who had 13 rushing yards. Kelly Gregg looked like he was pushed around a little.

Grade: B

Linebackers: They played alright.  They got stronger as the game progressed. Ray Lewis had another good game.

Grade: B

Secondary: The defensive backs were able to play tight coverage on Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess all game. Fabian Washington not so much. Webb, Reed, and Wilson each had an interception.

Grade: A

Special Teams: Billy Cundiff was four for five on field goals but Punter Sam Koch had a 13 yard pass completion and didn’t have to punt at all.

Grade: A+

In the final preseason game you will not see many starters play. Even backup quarterback Marc Bulger is not going to play. As always here are six key players to watch for the Ravens while watching the game. The game is at 8 Eastern time against the St. Louis Rams.

1. Troy Smith- This is most interesting battle to watch Smith vs. Self. He can win a spot on the Ravens roster as a third string quarterback with a big game or increase his value enough to get traded to another team. If he does not show he could miss the cut.

2. Marcus Smith- One of the many bubble guys. Smith had a good game against the New York Giants and out of the wide receivers he is the best special teams player. There is an open receiver spot with Donte’ Stallworth’s injury, he will be battling David Reed and Demetrius Williams for a roster spot.

3. David Reed- A major disappointment in camp, but showed promise against the Washington Redskins. He needs a big game to make the cut.

4. Prince Miller- Miller has shown some ability as a punt returner but needs to come up big as a corner to have a shot. The acquisition of cornerback Josh Wilson may have ended Miller’s shot.

5. Edgar Jones- The life of most undrafted rookie freeagents, play special teams, play in games, still have trouble finding a job. The most versatile Raven is trying to make the team again. He can play defense, offense and special teams but the competition might be too much. The linebacker has been one of the best special teams players for the Ravens the past couple years.

6. Jason Phillips- Another linebacker that has earned his way onto the bubble. He is a solid player that plays smart and has a nose for big plays. He has impressed in all the preseason games, another big game could get him a spot.

Here are six key players in the Baltimore Ravens victory over the Washington Redskins. The Ravens won 23-3.

1. Safety Haruki Nakamuri’s fake punt run was the play of the game. This play was huge, he showed that he has some moves with the ball in his hands. Nakamuri is a really solid player, he may not look the part but he would be starting on a lot of other teams. He sees most of his snaps in blitz packages so it was nice to see him with the ball.

2. Cornerback Cary Williams continues to impress. He looked great in the first preseason game against the Carolina Panthers and in training camp. His interception of Redskins quarterback Donnavan McNabb was outstanding, he read the throw perfectly.

3. Quarterback Marc Bulger looked great throwing 13 of his 16 passes for completions. He has a quick delivery and is extremely accurate. Bulger and wide receiver David Reed looked great together.

4. Wide receiver David Reed had four catches for 38 yards and answered a lot of questions about his ability to play in the NFL. He had a rough camp dropping a lot of passes which put him on the bubble. He needed to make some plays to make the team. He also had a great special teams tackle.

5. Tight end Dennis Pitta had an outstanding game catching passes, he had four catches for 65 yards. Pitta is not a bubble guy he will make the Ravens team as their second or third tight end.

6. Linebacker Jason Phillips worked his way onto the bubble with a strong performance that included two fumble recoveries. Throughout his college career Phillips had a knack for making big plays. He could become a solid NFL player. He needs more games like today to make the final roster.

Extra- Prescott Burgess also had a huge day. Some of the tweets from today said it perfectly.

The Baltimore Ravens play the Carolina Panthers Thursday night at M&T Bank Stadium. Since this is the first preseason game the starters are only excepted to play one quarter and some will not play at all. Here are some things to watch for during the game.

Offense

Wide receiver battle- With the addition of Anquan Boldin and Donte’ Stallworth there is major competition for the 4th and 5th wide receiver spot. A position of weakness last year has now become a position of strength. Demetrius Williams, David Reed, Marcus Smith, Justin Harper, Rodelin Anthony, and Eron Riley are all on the bubble.

Right Tackle- Offensive tackle Jared Gaither has been toying with the Ravens all year, and/or injured. Oniel Cousins will most likely get the start at right tackle, it will be interesting to see how he does. Ramon Harewood has been a surprise at camp, he is a rookie that was drafted in the 6th round out of Morehouse, he saw some action with the first team.

Tight end position battle- Another weak position last year that is very much improved. Todd Heap is the starting tight end but Ed Dickson, rookie 3rd round pick out of Oregon, has opened up a lot of eyes with his pass catching ability. Dennis Pitta has also been impressive in camp and Davon Drew has been solid as well.

Defense

Corner backs – Fabian Washington and Chris Carr may not play in Thursday’s game. It will be up to a bunch of lesser known players to fill in. It is a good thing that preseason does not count towards anything because it could get ugly. Prince Miller is excepted to get a lot of playing time, lets see what he can do with it.

Linebacker position battle- Jameel McClain is expected to get the start next to Ray Lewis and he is emphatic to play. Tavares Gooden, Prescott Burgess, Antwan Barnes, Edgar Jones, Albert McClellan, Paul Kruger and Jason Phillips are playing for a play on the depth chart.

These are all guys that could be starting for some other teams in the league but might have trouble making the Ravens tough group. Jimmy Clausen might have trouble staying on his feet against these guys because these will be the guys he sees when he is out with the second or third team.

Free Safety- Who knows if/when Ed Reed will play this year. Tom Zbikowski and Ken Hamlin are battling for the top spot. So far they have both had their moments in camp.

Special Teams- Most of the bubble players will boost their status with good-to-great special teams play. Guys like David Reed, Marcus Smith, Edgar Jones, and Prescott Burgess will give themselves an opportunity to make the team just for special teams play.

Kicker battle- Billy Cundiff and Shayne Graham will continue their battle into the preseason. Head Coach John Harbaugh said that the kickers will take turns on kicks.