Ravens vs. Saints Grades For Each Position Group
By Brett Foote
Aug 28, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Lorenzo Taliaferro (34) runs through a hole in the New Orleans Saints defense in the second quarter of their game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Offense: A-
This was a night of ground and pound as the Ravens rode the ground game to victory. How dominating was the performance? Numbers don’t lie – 49 attempts for 214 yards (4.4 average), with 149 of those yards coming in the first half. Sadly, the Ravens leading rusher, Fitzgerald Toussaint (17 carries, 103 yards, 6.1 avg), likely won’t be on the roster long.
Quarterback play was OK, but not spectacular. Tyrod Taylor was mediocre, going 10 of 17 for 105 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception (71.9 QBR) in what was ultimately an uneven performance. Keith Wenning actually outplayed him in the second half, going 8 of 13 for 117 yards and an impressive 90.9 quarterback rating.
The wide receiver battle continued and all three starting Thursday night’s game played well. Kamar Aiken was targeted a whopping 8 times, securing 4 57 yards and two almost touchdowns. Michael Campanaro looked pro ready and was getting separation with ease all night.