The fourth and final preseason game is most important for the bubble players trying to win a job.
Despite the Ravens' 20-19 loss, some of Baltimore's backups had strong showings. Others had tougher nights.
Here's a breakdown of how the game affected the stock of players competing for roster spots:
WR Daniel Brown
The undrafted rookie made a great leaping first-down catch to set up the Ravens' first touchdown of the game. Then he made the biggest play of the game by blocking a punt with under a minute left, setting up Baltimore for a potential game-winning score. To top it all off, he caught a touchdown to pull the Ravens to within one point. Brown finished with three catches for 30 yards and the score.
CB Cassius Vaughn
Vaughn had the best night of the three cornerbacks competing for what is possibly the sixth and final spot at that position group, including Vaughn, Asa Jackson and Quinton Pointer. Vaughn made five tackles, including one for a loss when he read a quick pass outside. He also sent a Falcons player flying as a gunner on punt coverage (see below). Considering reserve cornerbacks are relied upon on special teams, it was a good night for the six-year veteran.
CB/RS Asa Jackson
It was another night of ups and downs for Jackson. First, he burst through the Falcons special teamers and had only just the punter to beat with a wide-open field to get around him. But Jackson juked himself out of his own shoes and tripped after a 53-yard return. For the second straight week, Jackson came up just short of a special teams touchdown. Jackson's night got worse when he fielded another punt, but this time fumbled as he cut up the field. It's his second fumble on punt returns in as many weeks.
DE Kapron Lewis-MooreLewis-Moore is trying to make the 53-man roster for the first time after missing the past two seasons with injuries. He continues to get better as he knocks off the rust. Lewis-Moore recovered a fumble, which was later reversed to an incomplete pass. He did some damage in run defense as well, making five tackles, including one crushing hit for a loss during a goal-line stand in the second quarter. He made another stop for loss in the fourth quarter.
ILB Arthur Brown
Brown played well on defense. He made one of his best hits of the year to force a fumble, although it was later reversed to an incomplete pass. Brown was quick in diagnosing plays versus the run, and came up the middle for one tackle for loss. However, special teams continues to be his Achilles heel. Brown was part of the breakdown in coverage when Falcons punt returner Justin Hardy nearly took one to the end zone. Brown went for the big hit,but didn't wrap up. Hardy bounced off and found a seam.
DE Christo Bilukidi
Bilukidi is in contention with Lewis-Moore for a roster spot along the defensive line and also had a good day. He started the game and led the team with six tackles. Early in the fourth quarter, Bilukidi totally overwhelmed a blocker to make a stop in the backfield.
OLB Brennan Beyer
The undrafted rookie out of Michigan had a strong night on the same evening that his Wolverines opened the college football season. Beyer made a pair of sacks, including one in which he wheeled around to come up the middle and one in which he beat his blocker off the edge. Boyer did have some trouble early setting the edge in the run game, however. The Ravens have four outside linebackers set with Terrell Suggs, Elvis Dumervil, Courtney Upshaw and Za'Darius Smith. Could they keep a fifth? Or could the Ravens stash him on the practice squad?
