The Falcoholic - Falcons vs. Ravens preseason 2015: Game coverage for the battle of the backupsFalcons News, Analysis & Tomfoolery For and By Fanshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/21944/falcoholic-fave.jpg2015-09-04T15:20:36-04:00http://www.thefalcoholic.com/rss/stream/89922222015-09-04T15:20:36-04:002015-09-04T15:20:36-04:00Falcons vs. Ravens: A Tweet Recap
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<p>Preseason is finally over, so let's celebrate with a tweet recap from the Falcons' win over the Ravens. </p> <div class="storify">
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https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2015/9/4/9262511/falcons-vs-ravens-a-tweet-recapJeanna.Kelley2015-09-04T12:01:05-04:002015-09-04T12:01:05-04:00Three Key Takeaways from Falcons vs. Ravens
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<p>For the fringe players on the roster, this game mattered.</p> <p>As our hunger for regular season games reaches a fever pitch, it's easy to dismiss the fourth preseason game as an unnecessary annoyance. In fact, stadiums are regularly empty for the last game of the preseason due to the normal absence of key starters. However, for guys not already locked in for a roster spot, this game is often the reason why they will or won't make it onto the roster. Given that, here are my three key takeaways from the game.</p>
<h4>The curious case of <span>Dezmen Southward</span>
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<p>Of the many players on the bubble, none has been more disappointing than Dezmen Southward. If he were an un-drafted free agent, we may feel differently about his play this preseason. Given the fact that he's our third round pick from just one year ago, the fact that he's on the bubble is highly concerning. He really needed a strong showing during this game in order to cling to a roster spot. So how did he do?</p>
<p>It was a mixed bag. On the one hand, Southward showcased his excellent speed and his ability to contribute on special teams. He also showed the ability to play physically when he absolutely popped a <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Ravens</a> player while playing at corner. But he also gave up two TD receptions, though one might argue he was in good position but unable to make a play on both.</p>
<p>So what now for Southward? His special teams value and his raw athleticism is probably making this a very difficult decision for the coaching staff. While Kevin White has looked better at corner than Southward, White still has practice squad eligibility where Southward does not. When you consider that Dez is a former third round pick, it's possible the team may not be ready to part ways with the young corner so soon.</p>
<p>I think his position on the team is still up in the air, but it wouldn't surprise me at all to see him make the final roster. This will be one of the more intriguing names to pay attention to over the next few days.</p>
<h4>The QB Battle</h4>
<p>For the entire first half and part of the third quarter, <span>Sean Renfree</span> was alone in running the offense. Given that TJ Yates dominated the snaps last week, it seemed only reasonable that Renfree would take the majority of these. Later in the second half, newly signed <span>Rex Grossman</span> would close out the game.</p>
<p>So, where are we at in the battle for the number 2 QB position?</p>
<p>To be honest, it's a toss-up - and not in a good way. Let's start with <span>Rex Grossman</span>. It's clear the veteran QB hasn't played in a while as he looked pretty rusty and frankly, out of shape. He had a rough night, though I'm not sure it was reasonable to expect anything other than that. As for Renfree, his stats showed a decent night: 10/15, 75 yards, 1TD, 100.7 passer rating - but this came against 2nd and 3rd team defenses. So it's hard to truly gauge how he performed. Combined with Yates uninspiring performance last week, it's hard to tell who is really in the lead here.</p>
<p>If I were to venture a guess, I think TJ Yates ends up as QB2. I believe the team can put Renfree on the practice squad for one more year before his eligibility runs out and I think they'll do just that. But if any of these three ends up as the primary backup, it won't be a surprise nor very comforting.</p>
<h4>Wide Receiver depth</h4>
<p>For the first time in a long time, the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Falcons</a> have some quality depth at the WR position. After Julio and Roddy, Hankerson looks to be a worthy WR3 and possible WR2. Rookie Justin Hardy has had some growing pains, but has shown glimpses of his potential throughout the preseason. <span>Devin Hester</span> and <span>Eric Weems</span> can also contribute as receivers, but they're both here for their incredible special teams value. It's a near lock that these 6 guys will make the roster as a receiver, and yet, a couple of guys have shown up this preseason that make us wonder if the team will stretch the WR position to 7 spots.</p>
<p>Of those two guys, none has been more impressive than Nick Williams. At 5'10" and only 24 years old, Williams reminds many people of a younger Wes Welker. He's shown decent hands, capable route running and a willingness to take the big hit over the middle. He's also been an elusive runner with the ball and has shown he has special teams value by returning punts and kickoffs. Most people I've talked to believe he will be on an NFL roster this season - whether it's with the Falcons or not. Given that Roddy, Hester and Weems are all 30 and older, the Falcons may see a potential contributor for 2016 in Williams. He's an intriguing name to pay attention to over the next few days.</p>
<p>Another name that has shown up repeatedly is that of Carlton Mitchell. The bigger receiver has had a strong preseason but has the unfortunate luck of being on a roster deep with receiver talent. Given that Mitchell doesn't have practice squad eligibility, Mitchell has likely been auditioning for other teams in the league. We wish him the best, but his odds of making this roster are highly doubtful.</p>
<p>What are your takeaways from the fourth preseason game?</p>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2015/9/4/9260305/3-key-takeaways-from-falcons-vs-ravensDavid J Walker2015-09-04T09:01:11-04:002015-09-04T09:01:11-04:00Recap: Falcons beat Ravens, roster cuts now lurk
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<p>The Falcons wrap up preseason with a mostly strong performance that is nearly overshadowed by off-field drama. </p> <p><span>Matt Ryan</span> and <span>Julio Jones</span> went on the field for a single snap, and then the night belonged to the reserves, the roster hopefuls, and the longshots. As you might expect, it was a night filled with hiccups and the occasional eye-popping play, and it wrapped up the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Falcons</a>' first preseason under Dan Quinn with a narrow, kind of silly 20-19 win.</p>
<p>Primarily, this was a game of opportunities for backups, and a showcase for <span>Tevin Coleman</span>. This was his best chance to prove he belongs as a starter or at least back in the committee, and he didn't disappoint, mixing some strong short runs with a couple of huge breaks. <span>Justin Hardy</span> showed he belongs. <span>Sean Renfree</span> couldn't quite do the same, but he remains alive for a roster spot, or at least the practice squad.</p>
<p>Of course, the whole night was overshadowed by the drama surrounding <span>Jon Asamoah</span>, which started when he didn't dress for the game, continued when trade rumors swirled and ESPN's Vaughn McClure noted that and reached out to him directly, and died down after the team took to Twitter to deny the rumors outright. We'll see what ends up happening with Asamoah, but that was a weird note.</p>
<p>Everything that follows should be taken with a grain of salt, considering we are discussing backups playing against backups, for the most part. The less said about the last second drama where the Ravens almost came back and won a largely meaningless preseason game, the better.</p>
<h3>The Good</h3>
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<li><span>It was a bright spot in an otherwise merely okay night for Sean Renfree, but a nice pass and a nice catch by <span>Carlton Mitchell</span> for a 25 yard touchdown in the third quarter. First real sign of life from a Falcons backup quarterback all preseason, honestly. </span></li>
<li><span><span>Tevin Coleman</span> looked incredible early, albeit against that backup <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Ravens</a> defense. He ripped off two long runs on the first drive and showed balance, speed, and good vision. We'll need to see him get 10-plus carries against an NFL caliber defense before we figure out what he's going to look like this year, but that was mighty encouraging. </span></li>
<li><span><span>Terron Ward</span> has good power, but clearly needs work as a runner and blocker. He seems like a likely Falcons practice squad stash, and he got a ton of work last night to make his case. </span></li>
<li><span><span>Justin Hardy</span> had a nice game all around, reeling in a couple of catches and nearly taking a punt to the house on a 70 yard return. He's obviously got a roster spot sewn up, but his role for 2015 is uncertain. He's shown me enough to believe he should be the #4 receiver, and should be in the conversation as a returner this year or next. </span></li>
<li><span>The defense was solid enough, albeit (and say it with me) against backups. I'm less concerned with the depth on defense than I am on offense, particularly the line, so this wasn't a revelation. Still nice to see roster hopefuls like <span>Derek Akunne</span> doing quality work out there. </span></li>
<li><span><span>Grady Jarrett</span> is a monster in the making, and while there may not be a ton of snaps for him immediately, he showed why he could be a special player in this one. He absolutely annihilated the Ravens third-string quarterback for a 12 yard sack, and was in a couple of run stops along the way, as well. Bullish on him. </span></li>
<li><span><span>Tyler Starr</span> was again lurking around a big play. This time it was <span>Cliff Matthews</span> powering through and sacking the Ravens quarterback, a big play for a player who is on the fringe of the roster. Both Starr and Matthews helped themselves tonight, though Starr's spot on the roster may depend more on Brooks Reed's health than anything he's done. </span></li>
<li><span>Dezmen Southward's fumble recovery on the third quarter punt was arguably his second sign of life all preseason, but he needs those kinds of plays if he's going to stick around as at least a practice squad option. He followed that up with another huge hit on another third quarter punt return, and it's clear if he makes the roster, it'll be mostly for special teams this year. <br><br>He did get beat for two Ravens touchdowns, so it wasn't all roses. It'll come down to how much the team likes his developmental potential. </span></li>
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<h3><span>The Ugly</span></h3>
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<li><span>Renfree's numbers don't look awful, but make no mistake: He didn't sew up a job last night. Tentative in the pocket after the first series, settling for checkdowns and straight up missing on a couple of throws, Renfree couldn't show the coaching staff he belongs as the #2, and now it's fairly obvious <span>Rex Grossman</span> will step in as Ryan's backup. If Renfree is lucky, he'll hit the practice squad and develop for another year. </span></li>
<li><span>Renfree was probably helped by <span>Rex Grossman's</span> rusty, mediocre performance. He looked exactly like a quarterback who hadn't thrown a meaningful pass in nearly four years, and if Kyle Shanahan is hellbent on making him the backup, he's just going to chalk this one up to rust. That may well be fair, considering Rex did not get much help from the offensive line in this one. May Matt Ryan remain healthy all year, either way. </span></li>
<li><span><span>T.J. Yates</span> not getting into this game either means he has a roster spot locked up or he's getting cut. I suspect the latter. </span></li>
<li><span>Collin Mooney showed good power on a touchdown run and continues to look like the superior blocking fullback, but he left the game on special teams with an injury. Let's hope it's minor, because I honestly think he should have the gig. </span></li>
<li><span>The offensive line wasn't stellar, again. Depth here will be a concern all season long unless the Falcons somehow make a couple of savvy pickups and trades that left the entire unit, so we have to hope for good health across the board. With <span>Joe Hawley</span> still getting second team reps, I'm increasingly concerned about a <span>James Stone</span>/Mike Person LG/C combo that just doesn't quite look ready for primetime. </span></li>
<li><span>I think the team knew that <span>Jalen Collins</span> would need some work in coverage before he could be a true asset, but I don't know if they expected the kind of struggles they've seen this preseason. Collins will be buried on the depth chart until guys like <span>Marlon Brown</span> stop beating him down the field. </span></li>
<li><span>Joe Hawley was in with the backups again, and he's looking a little bit shaky. I can't tell how much the injury is impacting him, of course, but it's discouraging that the team's best center is still A) running with the 2's and B) not looking fantastic doing so. Hopefully just some preseason rust and hiccups. </span></li>
<li><span>If the Falcons have to spend a lot of time playing their backup linebackers, coverage is going to be an issue. <span>Kroy Biermann</span> and <span>Allen Bradford</span> were the worst culprits, and though both are likely to make the rosters, they didn't jump off the tape the way I'm sure they would have liked to. That same problem reared its head near the end of the game, when the Ravens suddenly carved up the defense. </span></li>
<li><span><span>Matt Bryant</span> missed a 52 yard field goal, which is the surest sign of the impending apocalypse. </span></li>
<li><span>Matt Bosher's late game punt was blocked primarily because Sean Baker allowed his man through. Baker was a borderline roster guy because of his special teams value, but that play might get him cut. </span></li>
<li><span>Ultimately, there was a lot of sloppy football last night. Fumbles (some that weren't fumbles), penalties, generally middling play, and everything else you'd expect. The Falcons are in big trouble if they lose a lot of starters, but that's true of most franchises in the NFL. The takeaway here is that the team can upgrade at a handful of spots if it keeps an eye out, and should, but I'm still pretty optimistic about the season ahead. </span></li>
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<h3>The Wrapup</h3>
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<b>Game MVP: </b>In a game like this, it's usually a random player. Congratulations to Carlton Mitchell, who caught a touchdown and looked good with Sean Renfree and Rex Grossman throwing to him. Because he's unlikely to make the roster, this will have to be his consolation prize.</div>
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<b>Game Theme Song: </b>A huge sigh of relief that the Falcons managed not to lose any more players to major injuries, as far as we're aware.</div>
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<b>One Takeaway: </b>The Falcons need to be active on the waiver wire to address the offensive line depth, at the very least, but the defense looks like it's in the best shape we've seen in years.</div>
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<b>Next Week: </b>The regular season, at last! The Falcons face the crazy, dangerous <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Eagles</a>, ably represented by <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bleedinggreennation.com">Bleeding Green Nation</a>.</div>
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<b>Final Word: </b><i>Bringontheseason.</i>
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https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2015/9/4/9258637/falcons-vs-ravens-preseason-2015-backups-shine-falter-and-now-waitDave Choate2015-09-03T22:00:20-04:002015-09-03T22:00:20-04:00Falcons defeat Ravens in final preseason game
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<figcaption>Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Fact: Grady Jarrett is a skilled bug stomper </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> defeated the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> 20-19 in their fourth and final preseason game tonight. The Ravens mercifully went for two after a touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Had they converted, they would've won 21-20, handing the Falcons their third preseason loss. They will soon need to cut 22 guys to get down to their 53 man roster; they have until Saturday at 4 PM to do that. But heck, the Falcons just finished their preseason 2-2! Let's break down the game.</p>
<p>The back up quarterback conundrum was a major storyline heading into tonight's game. <span>Matt Ryan</span> barely played before <span>Sean Renfree</span> entered the game. He'd play the majority of the first half and into the second half, putting forth an admirable performance that included a 25 yard touchdown pass to Carlton Mitchell. Interestingly Renfree took a nasty hit making that throw. I'll give him credit for really hanging in there and completing the pass. He did mishandle a snap at one point, resulting in a fumble that Colin Mooney recovered. Rex "Sexy Rexy" Grossman would replace him in the second half and get sacked repeatedly. I'll be honest, Rex looks like he's gained a few pounds. Maligned back up TJ Yates didn't play at all. It would appear the writing is on the wall there.</p>
<p>There were some highlights in the running game worth mentioning. <span>Tevin Coleman</span> had a fantastic first quarter, rattling off long run after long run. The kid is definitely talented. Running like that behind a piecemeal offensive line isn't easy. Good to see him turn it around after a decidedly unimpressive showing in his preseason debut last week.</p>
<p>On defense it was a mixed bag. <span>Jalen Collins</span> played well on special teams but continued to struggle in coverage; he's got a lot of work ahead of him. <span>Grady Jarrett</span>, however, is looking like a finished product, absolutely destroying blockers. Jarrett may be the biggest steal in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">2015 NFL draft</a>. Roster bubble dweller <span>Dezmen Southward</span> needed a great game to secure a roster spot. He came up big on special teams, recovering a fumble. Shortly after that, he absolutely leveled a ball carrier. Apparently Dan Quinn was showering him with praise after the hit, for what that's worth. Then, in the fourth quarter, he gave up two touchdowns. Yikes.</p>
<p>Discuss!</p>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2015/9/3/9258981/falcons-vs-ravens-2015-post-game-recapJames Rael2015-09-03T20:39:41-04:002015-09-03T20:39:41-04:00Falcons vs. Ravens second half open thread
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<figcaption>Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We're on to the second half! </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> have a 13-6 lead in a battle of reserves in the Georgia Dome, and you can continue to talk about the second half right here.</p>
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https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2015/9/3/9258977/falcons-13-ravens-6-second-half-tracker-and-open-threadDave Choate2015-09-03T18:00:01-04:002015-09-03T18:00:01-04:00Falcons Ravens tracker and live discussion
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<figcaption>Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The last preseason game kicks off in an hour. Tune in to see the reserves battling for their roster spots.</p> <p>The outcome of the fourth preseason game could not be less meaningful, so don't even pay attention to the score in this one. Instead, watch who gets in the game, look at who's getting extended auditions, and try to auger who's going to survive the final round of cuts.</p>
<p>Don't look for great performances, in other words, but instead a spirited game with a lot at stake for those who aren't locked in to starting gigs. Join us, as always, to discuss the game right here.</p>
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<p><strong>Game time: </strong>Thursday, September 3, 7 p.m. EST</p>
<p><strong>Location: </strong>Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia</p>
<p><strong>TV Channel: </strong><a href="http://cwatlanta.cbslocal.com/">CW69</a></p>
<p><strong>Radio: </strong><a href="http://atlanta.cbslocal.com/station/92-9-the-game/">92.9 The Game</a><strong> </strong>(Wes Durham and Dave Archer)</p>
<p><strong>Listen Live: </strong>Caleb Rutherford and The DW</p>
<p><strong>Online Stream: </strong>The NFL offers its <a href="https://preseason.nfl.com/nflpl/secure/packages?icampaign=SEOpage_watchlive_PL">preseason live program</a> for truly live streaming of games like this. Post-game, NFL Rewind is your source for streams.</p>
<p><strong>Announcers: </strong><span>Coy Wire</span>!</p>
<p><strong>Injury Report: </strong>The Falcons have a long list of players out for this one, including Brooks Reed, Justin Durant, Jake Matthews, Roddy White, Antone Smith, and Devin Hester. Tony Moeaki, Robenson Therezie and Joplo Bartu are also out, which stinks because they're all competing for roster spots.</p>
<p><strong>Odds: </strong>Falcons are two point favorites</p>
<p><strong>Prediction: </strong><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> win 31-27</p>
<p><strong>Opposition: </strong><a href="http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com">Baltimore Beatdown</a></p>
<p><strong>Twitter: </strong><a href="https://twitter.com/TheFalcoholic">@TheFalcoholic</a></p>
<p><strong>Facebook: </strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheFalcoholic?ref=bookmarks">www.facebook.com/TheFalcoholic</a></p>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2015/9/3/9228167/falcons-vs-ravens-preseason-2015-tracker-game-info-and-discussion-forDave Choate2015-09-03T14:00:01-04:002015-09-03T14:00:01-04:00Falcons vs Ravens 2015: Sex Cannon?
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<figcaption>Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The final week of preseason gives us a final look at some players that we don't normally get to see, and a perfectly acceptable reason to scream that the NFL REGULAR SEASON IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER.</p> <p>After a rough week for the starting <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> offense, we likely won't be seeing much of the first team this week, but we will get to see how bubble-players fare with cuts looming and the regular season kicking off next week. Here are some guys to keep an eye on.</p>
<h4>
<span>Jon Asamoah</span>, Offensive Guard</h4>
<p>Despite playing great football this preseason, Asamoah is facing a demotion heading into the regular season in favor of <span>Mike Person</span> and Chris Chester. Jon played like a top-tier guard in 2014, and his presence on the 1st team is seriously needed. If he can continue his play, the coaching staff should reconsider his role.</p>
<h4>
<span>Rex Grossman</span>, Quarterback</h4>
<p>The Sex Cannon is officially a Falcon; watch out NFL. <span>T.J. Yates</span> and <span>Sean Renfree</span> haven't exactly been spectacular this preseason, which has led to an unexpected need at backup quarterback. With the way Atlanta's offensive line has started out, the investment into Grossman could be a wise one. It'll be interesting to see how far he is into learning the scheme and playbook.</p>
<h4>
<span>Kevin White</span>, Cornerback</h4>
<p>Considered as one of the best undrafted free agents available this offseason, <span>Kevin White</span> showed his coverage ability while at TCU by shutting down top tier players like the OTHER <span>Kevin White</span>. As a guy that could push <span>Dezmen Southward</span> out of a roster spot, he's a prospect to keep your eye on.</p>
<h4>
<span>Jalen Collins</span>, Cornerback</h4>
<p>Collins has rode the struggle bus all preseason, but that was expected. As an extremely raw, but high potential prospect, Collins is expected to push for for the 2nd or 3rd corner spot on the depth chart. We should get a chance to see a lot of him tonight, and how far he's come since being drafted.</p>
<p>Who are you watching closely in tonight's preseason finale?</p>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2015/9/3/9252755/falcons-vs-ravens-2015-who-to-watch-in-preseason-finaleJake Bennett2015-09-03T12:01:06-04:002015-09-03T12:01:06-04:00Five Questions with Baltimore Beatdown
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<p>Nathan Beaucage of Baltimore Beatdown answers our most important questions about tonight's preseason game against the Ravens. </p> <p><b>Dave Choate:</b> The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a>' defense always seems to wind up being a calling card. Who are your key additions this year, and has this traditionally formidable defense improved or decline this offseason?<br><br><b>Nathan Beaucage:</b> Last year's Achilles heel for us was a injury-ravaged secondary. It seems that everyone and anyone in the secondary went down. We were playing a bunch of free agent scrubs in the playoffs versus <span>Tom Brady</span> and still barely lost. It's widely believed amongst Ravens fans that last year's squad with a healthy secondary would be a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> caliber team.<br><br>So our front office took care of that, adding CB Kyle Arrington and S <span>Kendrick Lewis</span>, among others. While they aren't the most flashy of signings, I think these two will surprise many. The talented CB Jimmy Smith is an underrated corner who is actually one of the best in the league. If I recall correctly, he basically took <span>Calvin Johnson</span>, Jr. out of the game the last time we faced the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Lions</a>. We lost him on account of a Lisfranc injury (I believe) for most of the season last year, but he's back on track to play and lock down receivers again.<br><br>This Ravens defense is young, but dangerous. With Ray Lewis, <span>Ed Reed</span>, and <span>Haloti Ngata</span> all gone, new guys are trying to fill their place. Second-year ILB <span>C.J. Mosley</span> was a force last year, and was a strong candidate for DROY. Ngata shouldn't be missed too much once DL Timmy Jernigan and DL Brandon Williams show the world what they're made of.<br><br>Despite the lack of big names, this year's Ravens defense is as dangerous as ever.<br><br><b>Dave Choate:</b> Looking for a sense of how <span>Joe Flacco</span> will fare with a new passing guru in town and some potentially nice weapons added to the roster. Is this a potential career year in the making?<br><br><b>Nathan Beaucage:</b> I would pump the brakes a bit on that hype train. While Trestman is a so-called 'quarterback whisperer', we know that he'll remain true for the most part to Kubiak's scheme last year. Flacco actually had his best statistical year last season under Kubiak. While he might add his own unique touches, the essentials of Kubiak's scheme will remain in place. I don't expect Joe to set the league on fire or anything, that's not like him.</p>
<p><b>Dave Choate:</b> I'm a fan of rookie tight end Maxx Williams. How does he look thus far, and what's his role look like in 2015?<br><br><b>Nathan Beaucage:</b> Not as big as everyone thinks. As it was shown last year with <span>Eric Ebron</span>, I think people fail to realize that there's a high learning curve for rookie tight ends. Most young TEs don't break out onto the scene until their second or even third year. The Ravens will likely start the talented Crockett Gilmore this year, and keep Maxx waiting in the wings.<br><br>As for his performance, he's looked solid in limited play so far. Although his hurdling attempts have put him in some danger to get lit up, as that happened in Week 2 against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a>.<br><br><b>Dave Choate:</b> Give us one player on either side of the ball we need to keep an eye on in this battle of the backups.<br><br><b>Nathan Beaucage:</b> As I've been talking to the other blogs, I normally list the same guys when I get this question, and I think I'll do it again.<br><br>On offense, rookie receiver <span>Darren Waller</span> has been on fire of late. The 6' 6" pass-catcher has separated himself from being a sixth-round flier to a guy with real potential. Can he join Calvin and Demaryius in being the next great Georgia Tech receiver?<br><br>Backup QB Bryn Renner has also been giving the veteran <span>Matt Schaub</span> a serious run for his money. A good performance from Renner could be the final nail in the coffin for Schaub.<br><br>On defense, I'd say watch out for the whole Ravens defensive line. The guys in the second and third-string units are all pretty young, unproven, and on the bubble.<br><br><b>Dave Choate:</b> Expectations for the game, and your 2015 season?<br><br><b>Nathan Beaucage:</b> I mean, it's the fourth preseason game. The starters aren't even playing, and I haven't a clue what to expect. I just can't wait for Week 1.<br><br>As for the upcoming season, I've got the Ravens pegged to go 10-5 and winning the AFC North. Beyond that, who knows. I know this team is capable of winning a Lombardi Trophy, but anything can happen in the playoffs.</p>
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https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2015/9/3/9255369/ravens-vs-falcons-five-questions-with-baltimore-beatdownDave Choate