The Ravens suffered a devastating loss on Sunday. That’s saying something. Let’s take a look at the rookies after a devastating 28-24 fourth quarter collapse loss to New England Patriots. Their seasons are likely over in just two weeks.
Pro Football Focus reported that Starks played a solid Sunday. He only allowed one reception for one target, a four yard catch. Starks played only 77% of snaps, his first time below 90%. However, it did not seem to affect his performance. This plan is closer to what the Ravens originally had before Washington tore an Achilles tendon in May. The Ravens have to juggle four safetymen who all deserve snaps, and are good players. Malaki Starks has had a quiet but steady rookie season, aside from the two interceptions in back-toback games.
The first-round talent that fell to the second round continues to have a mixed season. Green’s ability to display flashes at his high ceiling in every game is encouraging. As the 22-year old becomes more confident in facing greater levels of competition, it’s easy for you to be excited about what he could become. Green earned a PFF grade of 70.7 on Sunday after he got four pressures in 17 pass rushes, with a win percentage of 17.6%. Green, on the other hand, only received a PFF grade of 30.3 for his run performance, and had no stats in terms of run play tackling.
It will be interesting to see Green’s focus in the two games left of the NFL season. This is the first offseason where he can make the most growth and change.
Jones took 13 snaps Sunday. He replaced Andrew Vorhees, who was injured in the fourth. PFF said it wasn’t the best performance. A 51.7 overall score with a 39.7 grade for pass blocking, which allowed a quarterback to be hit on his six snaps of pass blocking. Jones’ rookie season was limited, as he missed most of the year due to a shoulder injury. Vorhees, who has been practicing with a foot injury, was only able to do limited work the first two days. This could mean that Jones will start against Green Bay on Saturday.
The Ravens’ Sunday loss was a direct result of Tyler Loop’s problems this season. Loop has missed from distances of 55+ multiple times and is only 1/4 accurate from 50+. On Sunday, his miss from 56 yards erased three points, forcing the Ravens into a touchdown instead of a field-goal at the end of game. Loop was able to hit the ball from more than 60 yards in preseason, and he had plenty of power throughout his college career. I don’t see this as a problem that will last. Loop and his fans will be thinking about this mental obstacle until he gets one.
Wester looked confident again after a couple weeks when he seemed to have lost his confidence. Wester’s confidence has been a concern since his muffed kick in Cleveland during Week 11. Wester, however, snatched the punt on Sunday with confident, strong hands after an awkward bounce. He then ran upfield to make a strong 11 yard return. We hope to see this confidence carry over into the final two weeks of the season.