The Ravens beat the Falcons, 13-12, in Baltimore's second preseason game of the 2024 season at M&T Bank Stadium.
Here's who stood out from the game:
QB Josh Johnson
After a tough preseason opener, the Ravens' veteran backup was much sharper in his second outing. He was a perfect 11-of-11 for 120 yards and a touchdown in the first half before giving way to rookie Devin Leary. Johnson's job, if he were to see regular-season action, is to operate an efficient, mistake-free operation. Besides a snap that came too early and led to a fumble, that's what Johnson did Saturday, quieting outside noise that the Ravens might want to consider other backup quarterback options.
ILB Trenton Simpson
A blitzing Simpson bounced off two defenders on his way to drilling Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke on third-and-long on the Falcons' second drive. Simpson also stopped a Heinicke scramble at two yards with a swift open-field tackle. Simpson flashed his pass coverage skills in the third quarter, breaking up a pass on third-and-7. Simpson has done everything he could to prove he's ready for the starting job next to Roquan Smith.
OLB David Ojabo
Merely being back in game action is good news for Ojabo, who hadn't played in a game since Sept. 24 of last season. He had two strong third-down rushes that led to pressures, one flushing Heinicke from the pocket and another in which he hit his arm on a third-down throw. Then Ojabo got a quick win and free run on Heinicke for a quarterback hit in the second quarter.
OLB Tavius Robinson
Robinson pounced on Falcons running back Jase McClellan on a two-point conversion attempt with the game on the line. Robinson was only in after rookie outside linebacker Adisa Isaac left with an injury, and the "glass eater," as Pass Rush Coach Chuck Smith dubbed him, made the game-winning play.
WR Dayton Wade
After leading the Ravens in receptions and receiving yards in the preseason opener, Wade did his damage with one strike Saturday. Wade broke wide open after he hit a Falcons cornerback with a stutter-step double move and cradled Emory Jones' pass for a 56-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
QB Emory Jones
Jones had a forgettable NFL debut as he fumbled on his first play and it was recovered by the Eagles to seal their win. This time, Jones delivered a perfect pass on Wade's touchdown and finished 7-of-9 for 100 yards and a touchdown. The undrafted rookie out of Cincinnati has a shot at a practice squad spot in Baltimore or elsewhere.
OLB Adisa Isaac
Isaac made his debut after a hamstring injury sidelined him throughout the preseason and for much of training camp. After flashing in practice this week, Isaac did the same in the game, chasing down a ball-carrier from behind to stop a longer gain and winning multiple pass rush reps for pressure. Isaac left the game late due to cramps, Head Coach John Harbaugh said.
RB Owen Wright
Wright got the start and didn't find much room on the ground (eight carries, nine yards), but he did make a nice play catching a third-down pass in the flats and fighting through contact to stretch for the pylon and score the Ravens' first touchdown. He also nearly broke free on a 30-yard kickoff return to end the game. Wright continued to put his stamp on the No. 3 running back spot.
S Beau Brade
Brade nearly made the defensive play of the game with a diving interception that was ruled upon replay to have hit the turf. It was still quite impressive, and the undrafted rookie was in coverage on a third-down incompletion on a shot for the end zone at the end of that same drive. Brade finished with a team-high eight tackles.
G Ben Cleveland
Cleveland snapped the ball as Josh Johnson was still barking out orders for a shift and not looking. That fumble resulted in a 21-yard loss recovered by the Falcons. A natural guard, Cleveland has been practicing at center with Tyler Linderbaum to add to his versatility.
LG Andrew Vorhees
Vorhees was beaten by Falcons defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro on third down on the Ravens' opening offensive drive. The Ravens didn't get much interior push from their offensive line in the running game, but Johnson was sacked just the one time.
