The Baltimore Ravens went into Carolina and came out with a preseason victory against the Panthers, winning 20-3. Baltimore held Carolina relatively in check for the entire contest, and there were plenty of standouts across the board.
Offensive and defensive players who needed strong performances to get closer to earning a roster spot impressed, and even special teams contributors got in on that action. However, there were a few players who didn’t play due to injury that had their stock drop.
We take a look at players who increased their stock against the Panthers, as well as those who saw their stock fall.
Stock up: QB Tyler Huntley
Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Huntley once again proved that he deserves to be the backup quarterback to The second-year signal caller completed 24 of 34 passes for 187 yards with an interception, while also gaining 23 yards on the ground on seven carries. He took advantage of fellow quarterback Trace McSorley being out with an injury, and showed that he’s the far and away front runner for the No. 2 job behind Lamar Jackson
Stock up: RB Ty’Son Williams and RB Nate McCrary
(AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
It seems natural to group Williams and McCrary together, as both running backs are vying for a spot on the 53-man roster, and have looked good in doing so. McCrary led all ball carriers with 15 carries and 64 yards, while Williams also chipped in 10 carries for 47 yards. Both also scored touchdowns on the ground, and showed great power, vision, and cut-back ability among other things throughout the contest.
Stock down: RB Justice Hill
Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
While Ty’son Williams and Nate McCrary flourished, Hill saw his stock drop even further due to his inability to play against Carolina. With the way his competition is performing, Hill needs to get back on the field to show why the team should keep him on their roster, because right now it looks like Williams (and maybe even McCrary) have the edge on him with how well they’ve been playing
Stock up: TE Josh Oliver
(AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Despite having a fumble and a dropped pass, it was clear that Oliver was being featured in the offense, and for the most part he delivered. Against the Panthers, he hauled in seven of 10 targets for 50 yards, and was reliable for the most part throughout the entire game. If he can clean up on his few mistakes, he has the potential to be a big part of what Baltimore does on offense in 2021.
Stock down: OL Tyre Phillips
Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Phillips is another Raven who saw his stock drop due to not being able to suit up, but not as far as Justice Hill’s. Baltimore’s offensive line as a whole played much better than in Week 1 of the preseason, but Phillips wasn’t in uniform to improve on the relatively poor showing that he had against New Orleans. Week 3 of the preseason will be a make or break game for Phillips, as it could determine whether he starts or not.
Stock up: DL Broderick Washington
(AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Washington was a name to watch on the roster bubble heading into 2021 training camp, but after two strong performances the second-year defensive lineman seems to be in a good spot to make the team. He finished Saturday’s game with two total tackles, but was making contributions all over the field. It was a solid day for Washington, and it will go a long way when it comes time for Baltimore to make their final roster.
Stock up: OLB Jaylon Ferguson
(AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Ferguson continues to string together solid games in the 2021 preseason, which has helped his roster standing immensely. He’s played with high energy and has had overall good discipline. He had two total tackles against the Panthers, and another strong performance against the Washington Football Team in Week 3 could have the Ravens keep six outside linebackers on their defense.
Stock up: Defensive backs on the roster bubble
(AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Baltimore has a plethora of young defensive backs who deserve to make the team based of their play on the field, their potential, and many other factors. However, with only 53 spots and depth needed all around the roster, it’s very unlikely that the Ravens can keep each secondary member who’s on the roster bubble. Nigel Warrior, Ar’Darius Washington, Chris Westry and more had good performances against Carolina, and each will look to continue to stack strong performances over the course of the next week.
Stock up: K Jake Verity
(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Verity continues to prove his worth, hitting a 44-yard field goal as well as two extra points against the Panthers in Week 2 to remain perfect through two games of the preseason. He looks to be an attractive option for teams looking for kicker help, and he could be moved in the next few weeks to provide him with a chance to have a big role elsewhere, while the Ravens would get some compensation for a player that won’t beat out Justin Tucker.
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