The Baltimore Ravens beat the Washington Redskins 20-7 to go undefeated in the preseason for the fourth consecutive year. With the Ravens’ 53-man roster needing to be set by 4:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, this final preseason game was the last opportunity for many to either help or hurt their chances of making the team.
Let’s take a look at which players did themselves a disservice and which ones helped their case to make Baltimore’s 53-man roster for 2019.
Helped: QB, Trace McSorley
While McSorley didn’t have quite the same performance as last week’s head-turning outing against the Eagles, his efforts against the Redskins may be overshadowed by the lack of help from a sub-par offensive line. McSorley spent the larger part of the first half scrambling, often turning disaster into a nice gain with a dump-off throw or a dash ahead. But he flashed greatness with a stellar 24-yard touchdown pass to Jaleel Scott late in the second quarter.
Has he done enough to secure his spot in the final 53? I’d say yes. Sure, we may have preferred seeing McSorley contribute on special teams or in an interesting formation as a receiver, ala Saint’s QB Taysom Hill — anything that would justify holding a third quarterback — but with Robert Griffin III all but sidelined for the preseason, McSorley handled his draft-card role admirably.
Coach John Harbaugh already noted McSorley had “earned the right” to be in Baltimore’s plans. His performance on Thursday against Washington only helped that.
Hurt: DT, Willie Henry
I’m not sure “disappointment” quite sums it up for Henry. Expectations were pretty high for the fourth-year defensive tackle this year. He was expected to be vying for a starting role and was widely considered to be a breakout candidate this season.
But Henry played all four quarters in the fourth preseason game. That’s almost always reserved for guys who are fighting for a roster spot and who the team needs to see more out of. It’s precisely where Henry didn’t want to be. Following the game, Harbaugh didn’t exactly seem glowing about the reason for Henry’s snap count.
Henry likely makes the Ravens’ 53-man roster but more because of the lack of depth there and how he’s played in previous years. But the fact he played for 60 minutes means his roster spot is far from cemented.
Helped: WR, Jaleel Scott
If there were any doubters of the second-year receiver’s place on the 53-man roster before tonight, consider them all silenced. Give Scott the game ball for this one — six receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown, largely all done through three quarters.
Scott finishes Baltimore’s preseason as arguably the most improved player on the roster. After disappointing last preseason and ending the year on injured reserve before the season even started, Scott has done everything asked of him and really stepped into his own. He finishes the preseason with a team-leading 11 catches for 147 yards and two touchdowns.
Hurt: T, Greg Senat
With the offensive line still a major question for Baltimore, this game offered a final chance for anyone to step up and make a case for a spot on the Ravens’ 53-man roster. With the lack of depth at tackle, Senat was given a golden opportunity to win a spot with the team. But he might have worked his way off the roster instead.
Senat opened the night with two penalties that killed big plays and effectively ended drives prematurely. That alone is one of the quickest ways to the dog house. But his play outside of the penalties didn’t do much to help him either, with the offensive line struggling to keep defenders off McSorley all night long.
Senat may still have a roster spot with the sudden lack of depth on the offensive line but he’s definitely on the bubble — one that may burst soon.
Helped: OL, Patrick Mekari
Mekari might be the best chance to continue on Baltimore’s legacy of keeping at least one UDFA on the Ravens’ 53-man roster. He had been fighting for a starting job at left guard, which opened up further with the trade of Jermaine Eluemunor on Wednesday.
Against the Redskins, Mekari showed his versatility — something Baltimore covets in offensive linemen. Mekari played at tackle, guard and even center throughout the night. That trait alone may earn him a place with the team come Saturday.
Hurt: RB, Kenneth Dixon
Dixon didn’t have a terrible night, finishing with 13 rushing attempts for 66 yards and a 5.1 yard-per-carry average. But the Ravens already knew Dixon could be an asset as a rusher; they were looking for him to show he could handle a full workload. Sadly, Dixon limped off the field at one point which is an instant reminder of just how fragile he’s been in Baltimore.
Dixon missed the third preseason game against the Eagles and several practices this preseason. Having been active in just 18 games over three seasons, it’s clear Dixon is a talented player that just can’t stay healthy even if his job depends on it.
Helped: LB, Otaro Alaka
Alaka had been on the bubble entering this game, albeit probably leaning more towards not making the Ravens’ 53-man roster. But he did exactly what he needed to do in the final preseason game, which was simply be around the football as often as possible.
Alaka finished the game tied for the lead in tackles. He played through some pain as well, being spotted limping at one point and had to be helped by the training staff.
With the severe lack of depth for Baltimore at inside linebacker, a solid performance might have been enough for the Ravens to keep him on the 53-man roster. At the very least, Alaka made a strong case for the practice squad, which is quite a lot for a UDFA.
Helped: S, Brynden Trawick
As a special teams ace with experience playing in Baltimore, Trawick always had a shot at making the Ravens’ 53-man roster. But he had to offer some value on defense to really put himself in the running. He did exactly that against the Redskins, tying Alaka for the most tackles on the night but also adding in a tackle-for-a-loss and an interception.
As a former Pro Bowler for his special teams play and his night in Washington, Trawick will have forced Baltimore’s coaching staff to talk a little more about him when they make roster cuts.
