PLEASE NOTE: The opinions, analysis and/or speculation expressed on BaltimoreRavens.com represent those of individual authors, and unless quoted or clearly labeled as such, do not represent the opinions or policies of the Baltimore Ravens' organization, front office staff, coaches and executives. Authors' views are formulated independently from any inside knowledge and/or conversations with Ravens officials, including the coaches and scouts, unless otherwise noted.
PLEASE NOTE: The opinions, analysis and/or speculation expressed on BaltimoreRavens.com represent those of individual authors, and unless quoted or clearly labeled as such, do not represent the opinions or policies of the Baltimore Ravens’ organization, front office staff, coaches and executives. Authors’ views are formulated independently from any inside knowledge and/or conversations with Ravens officials, including the coaches and scouts, unless otherwise noted.
John Eisenberg: Many of the players on the roster bubble did not state their cases effectively. Troy Smith was unimpressive for the most part at quarterback, completing only 18 of 38 pass attempts, although he did show some leadership. The starting defense for this game — composed of players hoping to be Ravens backups — were carved up at the outset, giving up two long touchdown drives. Receivers Demetrius Williams, Justin Harper and David Reed all played well. There’s a tough decision looming at receiver. And since neither Shayne Graham nor Billy Cundiff attempted a field goal, the coaches are just going to have to go with a gut feeling.
Mike Duffy: Sure, the Ravens were playing backups across the board against St. Louis’ starters for much of the first quarter, but it would have been more encouraging to see Baltimore get some stops early. The Rams easily moved down the field on their first two drives, and were it not for Dannell Ellerbe’s pick-six, it would have been an uglier first half. The Ravens wanted to witness some separation among some of their deeper positions, but there weren’t really any major standouts. There will certainly be some tough decisions regarding the roster in the next two days.
Ryan Mink: Seeing Rams rookie quarterback Sam Bradford and No. 2 Keith Null carve up the Ravens’ backup secondary made me thankful that newly acquired cornerback Josh Wilson was on the sidelines. The Ravens were right in bolstering their depth. They need to get healthy on the offensive line as those backups struggled as well. The Ravens’ defense took a half to get into the game, but you’ve got to give them some slack for facing the Rams’ starters. A couple bubble players had good showings, but most stocks went in the wrong direction.
Sarah Ellison: Bubble players didn’t make roster decisions very easy for Ravens coaches. Little was done to create separation. Demetrius Williams was one of the few who can be considered a standout. Quarterback Troy Smith was inconsistent at best while leading two touchdown drives, but also giving up two interceptions. It will be the last performance on Ravens brass’ minds before they make a final decision Saturday on keeping two or three quarterbacks. Regardless of what happens, you can’t help but think Smith would have liked a better ending to his preseason.
