The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Green Bay Packers 26-13 in their second preseason game. It keeps their preseason winning streak alive for another week, bringing the total to 15-0 since 2016.
Though the win ultimately doesn’t mean very much by itself, there are things we can take away from this game. With every snap, Baltimore’s coaching staff got more of a look at each player on their roster. That’ll come in handy when faced with the difficult task of trimming the roster to 53 players later this month. There were some players that helped their chances of making the team or even starting, while others might have put the final nail in the coffin.
Here are the three biggest takeaways from the Ravens’ preseason win over the Packers:
1. QB Trace McSorley isn’t ready yet
While McSorley’s numbers were better than they were last week, he still looked like a rookie. He finished the game going 8-of-13 for 74 yards and a touchdown, but stared down his receivers all night, causing another terrible interception intended for wide receiver Miles Boykin. Over two games, McSorley has completed just 17 of his 35 attempts for 159 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
There are flashes of what he can do, both on the ground and through the air. His touchdown to wide receiver Chris Moore was a thing of beauty — in the perfect place for Moore to catch it in stride. But a first-team defense in a real game would take advantage of McSorley’s tendencies, and his numbers would be a lot worse than the ones he’s put up in the preseason.
He’s not much of a threat in a Taysom Hill role if defenses know he isn’t going to throw the ball or he stares down his target from the snap. It only strengthens the notion McSorley is going to have to make the 53-man roster because of his versatility on special teams and potentially defense.
2. Kenneth Dixon’s time as a Raven is almost up
Dixon did not help himself against the Packers. He was the least effective of the six running backs to register a carry, gaining just 14 yards on six carries. Considering players like Justice Hill, Tyler Ervin and De’Lance Turner all busted off at least one big run, Dixon just didn’t look explosive enough.
At this point, Dixon cannot stay healthy if his job depends on it. He limped off the field with a tweaked leg at one point. While he was able to return, it’s not a confidence booster for a guy that has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career. It’s, in fact, a reminder of just how little he’s been active for Baltimore.
Dixon also got no help from Hill, who turned in a big night, rushing 10 times for 49 yards and a touchdown. As his main competition for a roster spot, Hill looks like the more dynamic running back both on the ground and in the passing game. It leaves you wondering what role Dixon could fill if the Ravens kept him.
3. Jaleel Scott has improved from where he was in 2018
Scott continued to make plays, catching two passes for 23 yards against Green Bay. After being almost invisible during the preseason last year, it’s good to see him making an impact now. Scott was a bubble player coming into camp, but he’s been playing his way onto the roster these past two weeks.
With two solid games, Scott should get more playing time and potentially some snaps with the first-team offense. If he can continue to make an impact there, he’ll be in good shape when roster cutdowns happen.
4. There’s little depth at inside linebacker
When linebacker Chris Board went down with a concussion early in the game, it was a quick reminder of just how thin the Ravens are at the position.
Replacing Board was Otaro Alaka, who had a stellar game on the stat sheet, leading the defense in tackles and tackles for a loss. But as an undrafted rookie free agency, he’s not the guy Baltimore likely wants to rely on starting with just a single injury above him.
With Board expected to miss the rest of the preseason as a precaution, the Ravens might need to simply bring in someone to have enough players to field a defense in their next two games. Baltimore has brought in at least one free agent linebacker earlier this offseason for a workout, signing Nicholas Grigsby. With Board’s injury, the Ravens might want to think about signing another one and making a spot on the 53-man roster for him.
