Ladies & Gentlemen, you’ve seen this author & title across multiple websites, but it’s now here at the hottest up and coming sports news network. We’re all excited to be here for you all the fans, no need for introductions cause that was done on Twitter. With that being said let’s get down to business.
Starting out understanding the opponent. As most of us know already that they’re playing the New Orleans Saints at M&T Bank Stadium. I know this is usually one of my favorite preseason games to watch, whenever they play. Seeing the Saints go through a change at QB with an ongoing position battle & now some WR controversy. It’s definitely going to be something to watch. Game time is at 7pm EST.
While they have everything they got going on, the Ravens have some QB battles of their own. Yes, that’s right, QB2 battle. Tyler Huntley & Trace McSorley.
Both of these guys are great with what they do, Trace brings his own kind of cool balance of pocket passer & scrambler. Seeing them bring in Mr. McSorley was pretty awesome thinking back to it. At first when it happened I thought to myself “Why are they drafting another QB when they have LJ8 & RG3?” Well then remembered they duo need the depth for camps & after further research this guy was the real deal & has proven to be a solid back up since.
Mr. Tyler Huntley, the man who beat the one, the only, the Lamar Jackson back on the High school gridiron. Well technically it was the defense that he beat but that’s a whole other discussion for a later date. This guy as we all have seen in flashes of, is more a true copy cat of LJ8 vs any other mobile QB we’ve seen. This backup QB battle is easily the best in the league. It’s a sight to see to say the least. P.S. a main reason why I’m going into depth with this is because I don’t expect to see our beloved starter much suited up to play.
Let’s move onto one of my favorite pieces of the puzzle in this depth chart release. The Offensive & Defensive Lines! Starting out with the starting OL we have:
- LT: Ronnie Stanley
- LG: Ben Powers
- C: Bradley Bozeman
- RG: Kevin Zeitler
- RT: Alejandro Villanueva
The only true shock but not shock to this is at LG. The Ravens’ Public Relations Dept put this depth chart together and as my understanding they put some of the more veteran/guys who have been with the organization longer first. I still feel like that spot is up for grabs with any of the other guys throughout the entire preseason. Whether it’d be Bredeson, Phillips, Cleveland, Mekari, or Powers. Any of them can take it and perform well.
As far as the center position goes, Bozeman was a killer at the spot in college & there is no doubt in my mind that he’ll succeed in it. but as far as who will be his backups. I cannot emphasize this enough. Keep Mekari healthy & ready to go but also have T.C.C. ready to go as well. Mr. Colon is the only dedicated center on this roster as far as we know of.
With the defensive line/rush LB, we have starting out a massive & monstrous unit coming after the backfield:
- DT: Calais Campbell
- NT: Brandon Williams
- DE: Derek Wolfe
- Rush: Pernell McPhee
- SAM: Tyus Bowser
This set is a solid go to, and you can’t argue it. All these guys are dominant veterans who have the knowledge & skill sets to get the job done.
But the talk of the town has been that Rush position and who is gonna be the quality guy(s) to take over.
Well let’s look at who is in the running for starting & rotations shall we? *Note: this also includes our depth SAM LB*
- Justin Houston
- Jaylon Ferguson
- Chris Smith
- Odafeh Oweh
- Aaron Adeoye
- Darlin Hayes
All of these guys are key impact/rotational players in one way or another & we’ll get to see a lot of our draft picks in action in this game coming up especially Oweh & Hayes.
Next up is another huge position group that’s been talked out in the offseason: the wondrous WR.
According to a lot of the fan base on both Facebook & Twitter, the team’s WRs weren’t getting the job done or missing the X-Factor in the position. Well Ravens Flock, you all got your wish in Rashod Bateman & Sammy Watkins. Picking up Batman.. I mean Bateman in the draft was a mean steal. The guy has size, route running abilities, speed, and everything you want in a young receiver to compliment what the team already has. Expect to see alot of playing time against the Saints so he can get used to things.
As far as Sammy goes, we may see him in the first quarter only because he’s a NFL vet. Yes, even though it’s his first year with the team & a way for a fresh start to get more his stats under the belt over making room for Travis Kelce or Tyreek Hill.
Both of these guys will be an immediate compliment to Hollywood Brown.
These two guys are great additions but my eyes will be on these four guys: Miles Boykin, James Proche, Devin Duvernay, & Tylan Wallace. All young & hungry wideouts looking to make themselves household names. It’s going to be a straight up brawl for the final spots with these gentlemen.
Now with everything being said, there are plenty of other position, rotation & backup battles going on. Everyone above listed in depth aren’t the only ones we’re going to be watching & evaluating. In the secondary we have names such as Nigel Warrior, Shaun Wade, Brandon Stephens(Who has officially been moved from college CB to NFL Safety), Geno Stone, & Ar’Darius Washington.
At FB/TE(Since the team has been doing dual roles with both or flip flopping them), we have a heated battle for TE 3 & 4/FB2. Josh Oliver, Ben Mason(my current favorite), Eric Tomlinson, Eli Wolf, etc.
So much fun & excitement going on right now in preseason that this preview of the team. Be prepared & have your jerseys, hats, tumblers, etc ready.
Wrapping this up, just want to say thank you to everyone who has made it to the end of this article & read ever bit of it. Means more than any of you all could imagine. Don’t forget to check out everything Around The Block, here on the website or on your favorite social media platform. Till next week have a great day!