Baltimore Beatdown
The Ravens finished the preseason perfect, downing the Washington Commanders with a dominant 30-3 win. Let’s see how the rookie class contributed.
The loudest thing Starks could have done today was be quiet, and he did just that. Starks was the only rookie and one of the youngest players to sit out the entire game. Starks being bundled in with the rest of the starters tells you exactly what you need to know. The Ravens are happy with what they’ve seen and don’t need to risk a guy who’s clearly going to take a lot of snaps this season, maybe even be a near 100% of snaps player. Starks preseason wasn’t flashy but he did exactly what he was supposed to and was rewarded with getting to relax on the sidelines with the rest of the veterans
Green also had his shortest and quietest day of the preseason. Green was only in for a small part of the first quarter and was quickly removed. He did have a quick pass rush win, a sight becoming very familiar. He never managed to notch a sack in the preseason, but that will make the first one in the regular season all the more sweeter.
The fourth-round linebacker had another solid game. He was on the field for a good portion of the day as well, with the Ravens clearly wanting to give him reps. Trenton Simpson had his best day of the preseason and cemented himself as the second starting linebacker next to Roquan Smith. But don’t be surprised if rookie Buchanan out-snaps veteran Jake Hummel on defense.
Vinson went the distance today, getting the opening start with the entire first-team line sitting and playing all the way till the end. In what could have been the last game action we see from Vinson, he continued to show improvement while also making the typical mistakes for a developmental late-round offensive lineman. Vinson will likely be a scratch all year long, but I, for one, am excited about the future. His development seems to be coming along steadily and quickly. Vinson could be the backup by next season and ready to take over once Stanley’s time is over.
As it has been all preseason, Loop finished as one of the biggest rookie stars to end the preseason. He finally had a perfect game, hitting all three extra point attempts and nailing all three of his field goal attempts, hitting from 46, 52, and a long ball of 61 yards. All were made with room to spare. The leg is as advertised, booming with power, and coach Randy Brown is continuing to work on improving the consistency, the effort already showing. He’s going to miss a kick in the regular season that sends the fan base into a spiral. But right now, it looks like the Ravens have found a dude.
