The Good, Bad & Ugly: Ravens @ Bucs

[TL24x7]

Graduating from training camp to the preseason has its adjustments. The effort elevates and the intensity level picks up along with the tempo.

And unfortunately so does the number of mistakes.

Players understand that careers and playing time are at stake. It’s incumbent upon each of them trying to make his mark, to make plays – to show up on film.

Veterans with their roles already defined get their work in but they are not as vested in the results of a preseason contest. They just want to get in their reps and escape unscathed. Players on the bubble fight for survival. Mix the varying objectives together and it’s difficult to draw conclusions or to project similar results or failures for the regular season.

For the Ravens their biggest objectives heading into the preseason were to:

• Address uncertainties at inside linebacker
• Develop cohesiveness on defense given the many new faces
• Determine who might step up at wide receiver

Of these three objectives it’s so far so good with two of them. The third, not so much.

With that in mind, let’s go to the Good, Bad & Ugly in Tampa last night…

[Ravenswintitle]

Great overview, thanks for posting. Haven't seen the game but I'll catch the replay tomorrow morning.

[HoustonRaven]

Love hearing that LQW continues to shine.

Agreed he needs to run with the #1's going foward. Can't wait to watch the replay!

[Paintballguy]

Love hearing that LQW continues to shine.

Agreed he needs to run with the #1's going foward. Can't wait to watch the replay!

He had himself a game. He deserves time with the 1's.

[HKusp]

Yeah, LQW was everywhere on ST's. Tyrod finally looked comfortable and Caldwell really played to his strengths which was nice to see.

[Bigfish]

There's a lot of locks on the team that success is getting through the preseason without injury. While you don't want to put too much into one preseason game, many of these guys are either playing for a roster spot and/or a starting spot. What they do in practice weighs on this, but they need to perform in game time situations. LQW made the most of his chances, he can only play against who is on the field at the time he's in there. He made the most of his opportunities and I hope he impressed enough to see him run with the 1s.

I'm interested in seeing more of Shiancoe, Furstenburg and Juice. Dickson is going to be the starter, but depth is needed and someone for 2 TE sets. Bajema is a blocking TE. I'm not high on him since he's not a threat as a pass catcher. With the WR situation being what it is, the TEs could see a lot of targets.

After only one preseason game, it's far from over yet. I know I'm getting ahead of myself, but imagine a Delaware QB throwing to 2 WRs and a TE from Maryland.

[DrUnk]

Love hearing that LQW continues to shine.

Agreed he needs to run with the #1's going foward. Can't wait to watch the replay!

I really like him. He had a hell of a game last night. Hope they move him up the ladder to see what he can do.

[bmorecareful]

Love hearing that LQW continues to shine.

Agreed he needs to run with the #1's going foward. Can't wait to watch the replay!

LaQuan's TD catch was Boldinian--seam/post route, elevated over the DB to make the catch despite decent coverage. I've been "down" on LaQuan because I never really saw him as a true WR, more of a ST guy who could fill in at WR in the event of an injury, but there is no disputing that the guy makes plays when he is on the field.

Whether it's with the 2's and 3's or not, he consistently gets open and makes tough catches. Some football skills are natural and not taught, and IMO the toughness and concentration required to make tough catches in traffic are some of them. LaQuan appears to have some of those "natural" skills, and I want to see him get a shot in the slot with the 1's.

[Raveninwoodlawn]

I have more confidence in Laquan than Doss and Thompson to be honest.


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[NCRAVEN]

I have more confidence in Laquan than Doss and Thompson to be honest.


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Same here. I'd like to see in the next few games Brown and Mellete get some time against better competition.

[bt12483]

we seem to forget LaQuan has some valuable in game experience already. Didn't he make a pretty crucial catch in a game at Pitt a few years ago?

[goodandfast]

we seem to forget LaQuan has some valuable in game experience already. Didn't he make a pretty crucial catch in a game at Pitt a few years ago?

He did--on third down I believe. At some point they have to give him a shot, all he seems to do is make plays.