Stock Watch: Ravens vs. Falcons, Preseason 2
The Ravens edged out the Falcons 13-12 in their second preseason game of the 2024 season at M&T Bank Stadium. Here are the standout performances from the game:
QB Josh Johnson
After a rough start in the preseason opener, veteran backup Josh Johnson bounced back in this game. Johnson completed 11 of 11 passes for 120 yards and a touchdown in the first half before rookie Devin Leary took over. Johnson’s role is to manage the game efficiently and minimise mistakes, and except for one early snap that led to a fumble, he executed well. His performance helped quiet rumours that the Ravens might be considering other options at backup quarterback.
ILB Trenton Simpson
Simpson made a significant impact on defence, blitzing past two defenders to sack Falcons QB Taylor Heinicke on third-and-long during Atlanta’s second drive. Simpson also made a swift open-field tackle to stop a Heinicke scramble and flashed his coverage skills by breaking up a pass on third-and-7 in the third quarter. He continues to make a strong case for a starting role alongside Roquan Smith.
OLB David Ojabo
After missing game action since Sept. 24 of last season, Ojabo made a successful return. He applied pressure on two third-down plays, one of which flushed Heinicke from the pocket, and he got a hit on the quarterback’s arm during a third-down throw. In the second quarter, Ojabo had a quick win off the edge and delivered a quarterback hit on Heinicke.
OLB Tavius Robinson
Robinson sealed the Ravens’ win by stopping Falcons RB Jase McClellan on a two-point conversion attempt late in the game. Robinson entered after rookie Adisa Isaac left with an injury and lived up to Pass Rush Coach Chuck Smith’s “glass eater” nickname with his game-winning play.
WR Dayton Wade
Wade, who led the team in receptions and yards during the first preseason game, made a big impact with a single play in this one. He used a stutter-step double move to break free from a Falcons cornerback and hauled in Emory Jones’ 56-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter.
QB Emory Jones
Jones rebounded from a rough NFL debut (in which he fumbled on his first play) with a strong performance, completing 7 of 9 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown. His perfect throw to Wade for a 56-yard score showcased his potential as he competed for a spot on the Ravens’ practice squad.
OLB Adisa Isaac
Isaac finally made his debut after a hamstring injury kept him out of most of training camp. He flashed his potential by chasing down a ball-carrier to stop a big gain and winning multiple pass-rush reps. Isaac left the game late due to cramps, according to Head Coach John Harbaugh.
RB Owen Wright
Wright got the start but found little room to run, managing just nine yards on eight carries. However, he made a key play by catching a third-down pass in the flat, fighting through contact, and reaching the pylon for a touchdown. Wright also impressed with a 30-yard kickoff return, bolstering his case for the No. 3 running back spot.
S Beau Brade
Brade nearly made the defensive play of the game with a diving interception that was overturned upon replay. Still, the undrafted rookie stood out with tight coverage on a third-down incompletion targeting the end zone and led the team with eight tackles.
G Ben Cleveland
Cleveland made a costly error when he snapped the ball prematurely while Johnson was still calling for a shift, leading to a 21-yard loss and a Falcons recovery. A natural guard, Cleveland has been practicing at centre to increase his versatility.
