Baltimore Ravens: Let’s take a step back on Josh Woodrum

We’ve seen Josh Woodrum take the preseason by a storm the past two games, but is he really ready to be the primary backup?

The Baltimore Ravens offseason has been filled with many different story lines, but the most notable one has been Josh Woodrum.

The majority of us had no idea who Woodrum was before the start of the preseason, but he’s quickly made his presence clear. The second year undrafted quarterback out of Liberty University has been one of the main talking points for the Ravens this preseason.

With Joe Flacco out, Woodrum has significantly outplayed backup Ryan Mallett. In two games, he has put together an impressive stat line.

Because of his success and Mallett’s struggles, many are calling for Woodrum to be the primary backup this season. I can’t discredit what Woodrum has done with his opportunity, but can we step back and take a breath real quick?

It’s the PRESEASON

I’m as happy as anyone to watch Josh Woodrum on the field, but all of his game time has come in the preseason. More notably, the second half of the preseason. By that time the starters are out and the backups are in the game. This is when when we see the undrafted rookies and practice squad players on the field. They are on the back of the depth chart for a reason, because they don’t have the same ability as the starting players.

Woodrum’s main success has been his ability to get out of the pocket and use his legs, but he’ll have a tough time doing that against a good defense. Starting defensive ends and linebackers will make sure he doesn’t get out of the pocket so easily. That’s why we still see even the most athletic quarterbacks like Cam Newton and Russell Wilson have trouble getting out of the pocket. And with how much the Ravens offensive line has struggled, that’s a death sentence waiting to happen.

There’s no question Ryan Mallett has struggled this preseason. He’s been sporadic, inconsistent and hasn’t made the throws he’s needed to make. But even with that, I still trust him more during the regular season. Mallett is the overall better quarterback. He’s got starting experience and winning in the regular season. He was signed late in the 2015 season and led an injury riddled team to a 1-1 record. That one win came over the Pittsburgh Steelers, something to take note of.

This situation reminds me of last preseason when the Ravens went 4-0. Guess who that worked out in the regular season? Exactly.

The preseason isn’t an indicator of how a team or player will perform during the season. There are so many more factors that go into that. But because football is back and this is the first thing we see, people are quick to overhype things.

The Bottom Line

The Ravens have said Joe Flacco is on track to be back week one, but there could always be setbacks. Back injuries can be tricky and there hasn’t really been much clarity on the situation. From what we’ve already seen this offseason, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him miss the first game.

I can’t say I trust Woodrum as the starting quarterback in week one if Flacco is out. He’s got a great story and has done well with his opportunity, but he’s been cut and moved around different teams for a reason. I expect many will disagree with my take, but we are basing everything Josh Woodrum has done in TWO preseason games against ALL backups.

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I’m all for keeping Woodrum as a third quarterback this season. If anything, the Ravens should start him one of the final two games to put pressure on Mallett. But Mallett is still the best option on this team behind Joe Flacco. Woodrum is more than a camp arm, but not much more than that right now.