The Dilferization of Ryan Mallett

Preseason Game 2 Preview

The 2017 preseason feels like it’s taking forever, primarily due to the number of injuries to key Ravens players. This quasi-epidemic has been going on since 2015 and for most Ravens fans, the consensus appears to be, “Let’s just get the season started before there are more injuries.”

If it was only that easy…

[Related Article: Injury Bug Bites Again!]

The Ravens have three more preseason games remaining and for them, it’s probably a blessing that they’ll have 15 more players on their roster for preseason game 4. You may recall that in the past teams trimmed their rosters after preseason game 3 from 90 players to 75. This past offseason the NFL decided to forego the cut down following the third fake game and just reduce rosters from 90 to 53 by 4PM on September 2nd.

Think about that for a second. In one day 1,184 players will be released. That’s enough to stock 22 teams with 53-man rosters.

Ravens at Dolphins

Some things to look for during tonight’s game at Hard Rock Stadium.

Pass Rush: The Ravens had 3 sacks against the Redskins but their regular pressure was even more impressive. Matt Judon looks like he could become a fifth-round steal. Tim Williams needs to play with more intensity than he did against the Redskins. He’s had a very good camp. It’s now time to take it to the next level.

Kamalei Correa: He was fast to the ball during preseason game 1 but he didn’t fight through blocks as effectively as an inside backer needs to. He can’t continue to get lost in the wash.

Anthony Levine: One of the stars in last week’s contest at The Bank, Levine showed impressive versatility. Of course, he did the same during the 2016 preseason only to be forgotten like a bad Match.com date by Dean Pees during the regular season.

Tighter Tight End: Ravens tight ends combined to tally 2 catches for 13 yards last Thursday. They need to step it up!

Ground Attack: Who will emerge as the No. 2 back behind Terrance West? Is that player even on the Ravens’ roster at the moment? Ryan Mathews and DeAngelo Williams, amongst others, will be watching.

O-Line: How will Austin Howard fit in at right tackle? What about James Hurst at left guard?

Wide Receiver: It is becoming more and more apparent that the Ravens can’t count on Breshad Perriman. He’s missed far more camp practices since he was drafted in 2015 than he’s participated in. It’s getting old and he’s left the door open for the No. 3 WR job. It’s time for one of the following to step up:

• Chris Moore
• Michael Campanaro
• Quincy Adeboyejo (knee)
• Chris Matthews

By the way, isn’t it odd that neither Jeremy Maclin nor Mike Wallace saw action during last week’s preseason game against the Redskins? Maybe John Harbaugh didn’t want to expose his starting receivers to Ryan Mallett’s lack of accuracy.

“I thought he played winning football. He played good football, just what we asked him to do.” ~ John Harbaugh on Ryan Mallett’s performance v. Redskins

Ryan Mallett: Speaking of the Ravens backup QB, he needs to reel it in and play better. Although judging from postgame comments from John Harbaugh last week, the Ravens are looking at Mallett as a game manager – one who minimizes mistakes and manages field position.

Sounds like Mallett is being Trent Dilferized.

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