The Ravens blew out the Cowboys in their second preseason game with a dominant defensive performance, an improved passing game, and a productive rookie kicker.
Here's the stock report following Baltimore's 31-13 victory in Dallas:
K Tyler Loop
His first NFL road game was more of a homecoming, and the Dallas suburbs (Lucas, Texas) native put on a show. Loop made five field goals from 29, 51, 42, 36, and 53 yards, respectively. His family was ready, equipped with "LOOP! THERE IT IS SIGNS" in AT&T Stadium. The feel-good story wasn't perfect as Loop had a miss (wide left) on a 50-yard attempt late in the fourth quarter, but Loop rebounded to hit from 53 minutes later. Loop continues to show he's ready for the job, but he'd like to have a perfect night before the regular season starts.
Cooper Rush
After a tough first preseason game, Rush played better in his second game with his new team. Rush completed 20 of 30 passes for 198 yards. He made a nice throw finding Keith Kirkwood in the back of the end zone on a fourth-down rollout and deftly moved the Ravens into field-goal range at the end of the first half with some strong plays. Rush was picked off twice, including a pick-six, but his receivers did him no favors on either. After eight seasons in Dallas, Rush returned to AT&T Stadium looking to show his new team that he's ready to play if needed. The two interceptions marred his stat line, but Rush showed progress.
Ravens defensive depth
Baltimore once again rested all of its projected starters except for first-round rookie safety Malaki Starks and inside linebacker Trenton Simpson. The second and third teamers dominated. The Ravens held the Cowboys to just 31 total yards in the first half. Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr and his entire unit continue to look sharp and relentless this summer.
WR Devontez Walker
The Ravens wanted to get their passing game going in their second preseason game and they turned to Walker early on. He made a 17-yard catch on their first offensive play and had six catches for 61 yards in the first half. The Ravens have a deep cast of offensive weapons, but Walker's strong summer could have Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken looking for ways to get him involved. If nothing else, he's proving he's very capable if needed.
RB Rasheen Ali
With Derrick Henry and Justice Hill held out and Keaton Mitchell dealing with a minor injury, Ali and D'Ernest Johnson handled all the rushing duties. Ali started on a roll, rushing six times for 28 yards on the Ravens' first offensive drive. He showed good vision and often gets downhill quickly, finishing with 62 rushing yards. However, he had a short pass bounce off his hands and intercepted near the end of the first half and his path to the 53-man roster is still daunting.
Rookie LBs Teddye Buchanan and Jay Higgins IV
Buchanan was all over the field in the first half with four tackles and a quarterback hit. He also looked good on special teams. After making a game-sealing pass deflection and interception in his first game, Higgins made another big play in his second with a sack strip. The Ravens have a long history of undrafted inside linebackers sticking.
CB Keyon Martin
The undrafted cornerback made three straight plays for a stingy Ravens defense. First, he made a tackle for a 5-yard loss, then got a safety when he went untouched on a blitz up the middle. On the first play of the Cowboys' following offensive drive, Martin made a strong tackle after a catch. The Louisiana-Lafayette product put himself on the map.
FS Reuben Lowery
Lowery picked off Joe Milton III on the first play after a Ravens interception. The undrafted rookie read Joe Milton III's deep shot and was in perfect position to make a leaping interception in the end zone. A smart and versatile player, Lowery has made plays throughout the summer and further bolstered his case to make the 53-man roster in Dallas.
OLB Malik Hamm
After back-to-back seasons lost to injuries, Hamm had a sack and tackle for loss in the fourth quarter. The Ravens' outside linebacker room has lots of depth, but the Baltimore native has made a case to remain with his childhood team in some capacity.
WR LaJohntay Wester
Wester was the star of the Ravens' first preseason game but had a tougher night in his second game. He had a drop on the Ravens' first offensive drive when he seemed to turn his head too soon. On the next drive, Wester couldn't break free from Andrew Booth's coverage and didn't find the ball on a pick-six. Wester didn't get any chances to make a punt return.
