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Baltimore Ravens: Studs and Duds from Thursday’s Game

By Hassan Zakai

Aug 11, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; (Editors note: Caption correction) Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Stephane Nembot (67) and running back Terrance West (28) celebrate a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; (Editors note: Caption correction) Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Stephane Nembot (67) and running back Terrance West (28) celebrate a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 11, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Devin Funchess (17) catches a touchdown pass in front of Baltimore Ravens cornerback Shareece Wright (35) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Devin Funchess (17) catches a touchdown pass in front of Baltimore Ravens cornerback Shareece Wright (35) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports /

Duds: The Secondary (again)

It’s hard to pinpoint what exactly is going on with the Ravens’ secondary. Even though the team doesn’t game plan for the preseason, it’s a bit concerning that the secondary was beaten on simple routes in one-on-one coverage.

Jerraud Powers did NOT look good at all last night, contrary to what we saw in OTAs and mini camp. He wasn’t able to keep up with shifty slot receivers and was beaten regularly. Rookie Tavon Young may take his starting role if he doesn’t improve.

Shareece Wright was beaten on a back-shoulder throw in the end zone, but other than that he played decently. He needs to play the ball better instead of playing his man all the time, he won’t get many picks if he doesn’t.

Jimmy Smith, Eric Weddle and Lardarius Webb all looked pretty good. There weren’t any glaring issues in coverage, they were just beaten by pinpoint throws by the reigning MVP of the league. Newton went 5-of-6 for 36 yards on his only drive of the night. While the secondary stiffened in the red zone, Newton narrowly missed Ted Ginn for a touchdown when he beat Jimmy Smith.

Their performance doesn’t inspire much confidence for a bounce back season, but with Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs returning, the pass rush should help the back-end of the defense tremendously. Nothing helps a secondary more than rushed and inaccurate throws by a quarterback.

Next: Studs: Young Pass Rushers

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