Ravens vs. Packers: 3 questions for the defense

3. Can the backup defensive backs keep working at such a high level?

The Baltimore Ravens have brutal roster math ahead of them when they have to trim their secondary down to fit the 53 man roster. Bennett Jackson and Cyrus Jones both had an interception in the first preseason game. Chuck Clark was close to having an interception of his own, but he took off running before he caught the ball. Gardner Minshew didn’t have success when the starters that played left the game. The Ravens almost have to hope that a defensive back on the back end of the depth chart messes up; right now they don’t want to cut anyone in the secondary.

Last week Earl Thomas didn’t play and it’s not like the full group of starters is going to get a heavy workload tonight. That means we will see a lot of the second, third and even fourth string defensive backs. The players whose roster spot isn’t locked up almost have to be perfect. The safety and cornerback spots on this team make an elite secondary. Good players may not make the team here.

Keep your eyes on Bennett Jackson. Look for play-making ability from players like DeShon Elliott, Iman Marshall and Anthony Averett. The secondary was the main attraction against the Jaguars. Let’s see if it stays the same against the Packers.