Late For Work 9/2: Eight Takeaways From Ravens Preseason Finale

1) Deciphering Running Back Depth: Terrance West Leaps Buck Allen

The running backs that didn’t play last night could speak volumes.

With Terrence West not playing tonight, wonder if he has backup RB job over Buck Allen going into season.
— Brent Harris (@BrentCSN) September 2, 2016

Head Coach John Harbaugh opted not to play his starters, playing it safe and not subjecting key players to potential injury. He opted to keep on the bench Justin Forsett and Terrance West, who could have been considered either the fourth, fifth or sixth back on the depth chart entering training camp.

What does it mean that Forsett and West sat while last year’s six-game starter Buck Allen played?

“[It] probably indicates they are Baltimore's top two backs,” wrote ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. “Buck Allen … is the No. 3 back by default.”

That’s quite the ascension for West, who had to beat out Trent Richardson (released early in camp), Lorenzo Taliaferro (physically unable to play list), Stephen Houston and rookie Kenneth Dixon. Of course, Dixon is reportedly expected to miss four weeks with a sprained knee and could shake things up when he returns.

Nonetheless, West can sleep well knowing that his spot on this team is probably secure. He entered the finale with the Ravens’ second most rushes (25) in the preseason for 101 yards and two touchdowns.

“West has apparently earned a roster spot and he didn't even need the final preseason game to do it,” wrote The Baltimore Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec.

2) Breshad Perriman Showed Ravens Exactly What They Wanted To See

What can we learn from wide receiver Breshad Perriman’s quarter-and-a-half of work?

Exactly what the Ravens wanted, says WNST’s Luke Jones.

“Playing in a live game for the first time in almost two years, the 22-year-old wide receiver not only showed fans that, yes, he does exist, but flashed glimpses of why the organization was so excited to select him with the 26th overall pick of the 2015 draft,” Jones wrote. “Most importantly, Perriman came out of the game healthy, clearing a hurdle that was as much mental as physical.

“So far, so good.”

Perriman didn’t set the Superdome on fire. Even Head Coach John Harbaugh and Perriman himself wished they could’ve thrown deep to see if the speedster could chase a ball down, but the Saints defense consistently rolled a safety over top to prevent a down-field attempt.

Perriman did look sharp in his route-running, and caught the first two passes of the game. The second reception for 16 yards was especially impressive as he had to physically shake off the press coverage from Saints starting cornerback PJ Williams as can be seen in the video below.

A’ight I see him doing his thing!!!! So far so good!!! Breshad Perriman looking sharp!!!
— Qadry Ismail (@QadryIsmail) September 2, 2016

Perriman still has lots of work to do after not playing in a football game since Dec. 26, 2014, but his unique size and speed combination, along with the playmaking ability he flashed Thursday night, make him a true threat.

“It’s no secret that the Ravens have lagged behind Cincinnati and Pittsburgh in the skill position department over the last few seasons, but the potential appears to be there this season to begin closing that gap,” Jones wrote. “Perriman headlines that list of young players carrying intrigue. “[He was] healthy and flashing ability in an otherwise meaningless preseason finale. It was all the Ravens needed to see from Perriman after a painfully long wait for his debut.”

3) Could Carl Davis’ Injury Create Room For Michael Pierce?

Rookie defensive tackle Michael Pierce sure put up a fight to continue the Ravens’ streak of keeping an undrafted rookie in each of the last 12 seasons.

The Samford product notched a hat trick of sorts, bulldozing Saints offensive lineman Marcus Henry to notch a sack/strip and then recover the ball in the end zone for a touchdown.

Was it enough to make the team?

Well, it could depend on how serious the injury to fellow defensive lineman Carl Davis was. He left the game with an ankle injury and will get an MRI, per Harbaugh.

“Pierce probably stood out the most, and could benefit from defensive lineman Carl Davis’ ankle injury,” wrote Zrebiec. “Davis left the game in the first quarter and did not return. Harbaugh said that Davis’ injury was not a season ender, although it sounds like he could miss some time.”

Take a breather, rookie. You've earned it. pic.twitter.com/trorvR8xoJ
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 2, 2016

Meanwhile, another undrafted rookie, Victor Ochi, flashed with a sack of his own. The problem is Ochi plays at a very deep outside linebacker position, and fifth-round rookie Matthew Judon looks like a lock for one of the final roster spots.

“I gave my all on the field every time, and at least I can walk off and say I gave 100 percent,” Ochi told Zrebiec. “If I was to second guess myself, I’d be miserable. At least I could say I gave 110 percent and I’m proud of myself. I feel I’m so much better as a player than I was. I’m starting to understand the game more. I can’t complain. I feel like my window is still open. I could get so much better.”

Undrafted rookie Victor Ochi with nice move inside for the sack. Ravens love his upside but team is deep at OLB. #RavensTalk
— Bo Smolka (@bsmolka) September 2, 2016

4) Terrence Brooks A ‘Tackling Machine’

Ravens backup safety Terrence Brooks wanted to redeem himself after a rough outing last week, dropping a wide open interception that bounced off his hands.

He did that to a degree Thursday night, becoming what Hensley called a “tackling machine.” He finished the night with a team-leading (tied) five tackles, all coming in the first half. As Hensley pointed out, that was more than half of what he notched through the first three games combined.

The best tackle came on this crushing hit to Saints running back Mark Engram.

“Brooks has gone from a player on the bubble to a player who may be an important backup,” wrote CSNMidAtlantic.com’s Clifton Brown.

“While Anthony Levine plays safety and linebacker, Brooks is playing with more confidence in his third season, and looking more like a third-round pick (2014) after two disappointing seasons. … Brooks is still young enough to realize the potential the Ravens saw when drafting him. His performance since the start of training camp is a step in the right direction.”

5) Keenan Reynolds At Peace With Whatever Happens

With the entire preseason in the books, most reporters don’t believe local favorite Keenan Reynolds did enough to make the 53-man roster.

The college quarterback-turned-NFL-receiver/returner notched his first NFL reception, a 2-yard catch that he was able to hold onto while being drilled by a defender. He didn’t add any other catches, but returned one punt for 9 yards and one kick for 26.

Still, Zrebiec says that Reynolds is eighth or ninth on the depth chart, which isn’t high enough to make the team. Reynolds has prepared himself for whatever outcome.

“It is what it is. I knew coming in it was out of my control. I understand it is a business. I don’t have any regrets with anything,” Reynolds told reporters, including Zrebiec.

“I’m at peace [with] it. Again, not sleeping, stressing, all that, it’s not going to make the decision go your favor. You might as well roll with the punches. I always say everything is going to work out the way it’s supposed to. Whether that be me making the team or not, whatever it is, there’s a higher plan in place.”

You wonder if Annapolis man Bill Belichick will be looking at Keenan Reynolds tape over the next couple of days... #RavensTalk
— Bo Smolka (@bsmolka) September 2, 2016

6) Returner Spot Still Appears Unsettled

Michael Campanaro would have loved to erase any nervousness at the returner position, but that didn’t happen when he fumbled the ball twice on the same kick return.

On the next kickoff, the Ravens brought in speedy rookie wide receiver Chris Moore, who had the Ravens’ longest return of the night for 29 yards, using a couple of spin moves to get out of tackles.

Campanaro has always been the leading punt returner, so he may still hold that role, but last night “only added to the uncertainty at returner,” wrote Hensley.

Nice kickoff return for rookie WR Chris Moore. A couple of spin moves and 30-plus yard return. Might get in conversation #RavensTalk
— Bo Smolka (@bsmolka) September 2, 2016

7) Quarterback Josh Johnson To The Vikings?

Third-string quarterback Josh Johnson was dubbed the Ravens’ preseason MVP after passing for 365 yards and a touchdown, and adding another score with his feet.

He was impressive enough to challenge Ryan Mallett for the backup role behind Joe Flacco when Mallett seemed like a lock since being signed last year.

But, despite his best efforts, several analysts, including John Eisenberg and Jones, see the Ravens parting ways with Johnson over the weekend as the team trims down to 53 players by 4 p.m. Saturday.

Based on the way Johnson played, it shouldn’t take too long for a quarterback-needy team to pick him up.

If I'm the Vikings I'm taking a good look at Josh Johnson if/when the Ravens release him
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) September 2, 2016

Josh Johnson can really play football. I sure wish he could make this team
— Bruce Cunningham (@Bruce45Sports) September 2, 2016

8) Both Baltimore And New Orleans Celebrate Opening Drive

It’s kind of funny how both New Orleans and Baltimore reporters counted the first series of the game as a win for their respective cities.

Saints Head Coach Sean Payton opted to play his starters, including Pro Bowl quarterback Drew Brees, to help gain some momentum heading into the regular season. Brees faced the Ravens’ second- and third-teamers, and only managed a field goal on a 10-play, 61-yard drive.

“Since we’re forced to grade on a very generous curve this preseason, the New Orleans Saints' fourth loss in four games has to be considered one of their best losses,” wrote ESPN’s Mike Triplett. “They eventually fell 23-14 to the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night. But they were leading 3-0 after the starters made their cameo appearances in the first quarter.

“Who knows if the Saints accomplished anything by playing QB Drew Brees and the rest of their starters against Baltimore’s backups in this final exhibition. But at least they played relatively well.”

Meanwhile, in Baltimore, people were happy about the team’s backups holding a Super Bowl-winning quarterback to just three points.

Ravens' JV defense holds Saints' starters to a field goal. Win: Ravens.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) September 2, 2016

Quick Hits

Felt good to finally hit the field with my boys and get the W!! Blessed beyond measure!! #allglorytogod #dontsleep
— Breshad Perriman (@B_Perriman11) September 2, 2016

Matt Judon can play. This guy is going to be a steal as a 5th-round pick.
— Garrett Downing (@gdowning14) September 2, 2016

History suggests Willie Henry is a virtual lock as a fourth-rounder, but I haven't been terribly impressed even before that penalty. #Ravens
— Luke Jones (@BaltimoreLuke) September 2, 2016

It was a honor to support my teammates tonight. Great team win!!! Tough part comes in the next few days, love all my guys. Buffalo up next!!
— Eric Weddle (@weddlesbeard) September 2, 2016

Now the real fun begins! Here comes #TheUnkindness!
— Justin Tucker (@jtuck9) September 2, 2016

Preseason is over (4-0)  but now it's time to take it to a whole new level   Letsssssss goooooooooooo #RavensNation #SuperBowlLI we coming for ya 

A photo posted on Sep 1, 2016 at 8:32pm PDT

Don't know whether to be more impressed with the #Ravens' young defensive line or appalled with New Orleans' second-team offensive line.
— Luke Jones (@BaltimoreLuke) September 2, 2016

Ravens have interesting decision on Arthur Brown. Hasn't distinguished himself much in camp, but Ravens thin at ILB.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiecsun) September 2, 2016