Let’s take a look at how the Ravens rookies performed after one of their most embarrassing losses. Some received expanded roles, but no one made an impact.
Starks played the worst game of her career. Roquan and he played every snap in the game against Detroit. He has been quiet and steady this season. However, in Week 3 he received a PFF score of 51.7 in the Ravens’ horrific defensive performance. His tackling grade, a 34.3 was the second-worst in the defense on Monday night. He was also tied for the second most tackles on the team. He was rated as the second best run defender in the team. It’s not fair to judge these rookie starters too harshly, because the whole defense was terrible. Starks, who is expected to be a leader immediately, was the one that led rookies in an embarrassing evening. This is probably the worst performance he has had as a rookie, and for many players in this season.
Mike Green was a candidate for defensive rookie of the season when this season began. In the first two games, he showed flashes in limited roles. Green was the new starter when Kyle Van Noy went down. Green played more than 75% of snaps but the campaign for rookie of the season is over. With a grade of 41.4, he was the lowest-graded outside linebacker in the team. Green’s 52.6 grade for pass rush was the most disappointing. This ability made him a top-tier talent. Van Noy is still out for another couple of weeks, so the Ravens will need him to perform better.
Buchanan played 94 percent of snaps in the game against Detroit, retaining the starting position he won last week. He also struggled with a grade of 50.2 and scored below average in all PFF categories. Buchanan’s performance wasn’t quite as bad as that of his veteran teammate Roquan, but it was still a forgettable game for Buchanan, despite the eight tackles he made. Buchanan is still doing well for a rookie fourth round playing middle linebacker, which is one of the most important positions on the football field.
Loop has had a good year as a placekicker but not as a kickoff specialist. He made a 41-yard field goal Monday and scored all three extra points. This year, he is 5-5 in his field-goal attempts and 12-13 for his extra-points. Loop is the NFL leader in illegal kickoffs after Week 3. He has four in three games. I’m not sure how much is due to him missing kicks and how much is the result of special teams unit trying out different kick types in an effort to limit returns. They need to fix the problem, as they are struggling so much on defense.
Wester did not take any offensive snaps, but he fielded his three punts with a total of 31 yards and a long of 11. Wester continues to be an anchor who is confident in receiving punts, and gaining positive yardage.
Peebles’ snap count dropped from Week 2 to Week 3 despite Nnamdi Madubuike being injured. He played only 21% snaps in Detroit after playing 30% snaps for Cleveland. He played only two snaps on run plays. He only had one blocked pressure, but had a 0.o% win rate on pass rushes. Peebles was expected to help offset the loss of Madubuike but his performance on the night has been disappointing.