Preseason Week Four: What To Look For

Tomorrow the Ravens will play the St. Louis Rams in the last preseason game.  Most starters will not play so we will look at backups and people battling for a roster spot.

1.  Backup Quarterback
The two players competing for this spot, Tyrod Taylor and Curtis Painter, have played the opposite of each other so far this offseason.  Taylor has impressed in practices and hasn’t played as well in games looking nervous in the pocket and looking more to run than throw.  Painter didn’t play very well in training camp throwing many interceptions.  However, he has looked much better during the other three preseason games.  Right now I would give the edge to Taylor due to familiarity and overall has been a little better.  Taylor should get the start and if he plays decent he should keep the 2nd string job.  If Painter plays great and Taylor plays poorly than Painter could win the job.

2.  Wide Receiver
There are two main battles to watch for at the WR position.  First is for the 4th WR spot between LaQuan Williams and Tandon Doss.  However I don’t feel this is a very important battle because Williams has been used more as an outside receiver and the Ravens are probably grooming Doss to be Anquan Boldin’s replacement.  Last game against the Jaguars, Doss looked good in the slot.  The other battle is rookie Tommy Streeter and undrafted free agent Deonte Thompson.  So far they seem pretty even with Thompson looking really good on special teams and Streeter showing his massive potential with his TD catch against the Jaguars.  One way this could end is Streeter going on IR with his sprained foot allowing the Ravens to keep them both.  Streeter is more of a long term project so the Ravens want to keep him.  Streeter will be out tonight with this injury so Thompson has one last chance to impress while Streeter doesn’t.

3.  Nigel Carr
Carr has had an up and down preseason.  In the Lions game he led the team in tackles but also had a holding on a return and a ruffing the passer called on him.  He has shown many good flashes and we all know the Ravens like to keep LBs on their roster.  One thing that will be be key for Carr will be special teams as this is the main way to make a team as a backup.  If Carr does end up being cut don’t be surprised if the Ravens try and keep him on the practice squad.

4.  Omar Brown
Brown has had many, many lucky breaks so far.  Two people in front of him on the depth chart have been injured including one for the season. Also, Brown has been in the right spot at the right time but is it a coincidence or is he talented.  I lean a little to the talented side as luck doesn’t get you 3 fumble recoveries, 1 interception, and an onside kick recover in two games.  Brown is a definite bubble player who needs on more good game to make the team.

5.  Sergio Kindle
This very well could be Kindle’s last game with the Ravens.  John Harbaugh recently said Kindle’s roster spot isn’t guaranteed.  So far this preseason Kindle hasn’t showed much at all.  The Rams offensive line isn’t the best, especially the backups, so Kindle has a chance to make a very good last impression.  I believe Kindle will make the team but whether he plays in the regular season is a whole other question.