The Ravens wrapped up the preseason Thursday night in New Orleans with a 23-14 victory.
The win improved the Ravens to 4-0 this preseason, giving them their sixth perfect preseason in franchise history.
Here's how the game affected the stock of several players fighting for roles on the roster:
WR Breshad Perriman
Playing in his first game in 20 months, last year's first-round pick got involved early. Quarterback Ryan Mallett threw the first two passes in Perriman's direction, giving him a chance to get rid of some of his first-game jitters. Perriman was able to get open and make nice adjustments to bring in the catches. He also showed off nice run-blocking ability in a few situations throughout his first half of work. Perriman still has areas where he can improve, and he showed that in a crossing route where he didn't haul in a difficult catch that hit off his outstretched hands. The Ravens wanted to take deep shots to Perriman, but the defense was playing deep, showing its respect for his speed. It was a solid debut for Perriman, and he finished the game with two catches for 25 yards.
S Terrence Brooks
Brooks showed good instincts and speed early in the game against quarterback Drew Brees and the Saints' first-team offense. Brooks broke up a third-down pass, brought down starting running back Mark Ingram with a physical tackle, and made several plays at the line of scrimmage. Brooks consistently found himself around the football, which was a point of emphasis for him coming into the preseason. The Ravens have wanted to see Brooks take the next step in his development, and the former third-round pick showed real potential against New Orleans.
WR Michael Campanaro
The third-year receiver came into the game as the clear leader in the returner competition, but he made a costly miscue on the second return of the game. Campanaro dropped the kickoff, recovered it, fumbled again, and then recovered his own fumble on the same kickoff. The Ravens turned to wide receiver Chris Moore on the next kickoff opportunity, and he returned it for a 29-yard gain. The botched kickoff return didn't keep the Ravens from going back to Campanaro at punt returner, and he was solid in that area. Campanaro's roster spot is likely still secure, but Thursday's game may have the Ravens take a longer look at Moore as the kickoff returner. Â
DT Michael Pierce
The undrafted rookie made a strong case for himself with a touchdown in the second quarter. Pierce has been one of the team's more impressive rookies of the summer, and he had a strong final push for a roster spot. Pierce came up with a strip/sack in the second quarter where he powered through the line of scrimmage, forced the fumble, and then recovered the ball for the touchdown. He also had another sack that was wiped off because of a penalty. The rookie out of Samford is in a crowded competition to make the 53-man squad, but he did about all he could to earn a job. If he doesn't make the active roster, the Ravens could certainly look to add him to the practice squad.
OLB Victor Ochi
Ochi is another undrafted rookie who finished the preseason on a high note. He had a strip/sack in the third quarter, but the Saints pounced on the football to keep the Ravens from coming up with the takeaway. Ochi is known for his pass-rushing ability, and there has been plenty of speculation about him earning a spot on the active roster. But just like Pierce, Ochi has plenty of competition for a spot and the Ravens could try to find a spot for him on the practice squad if another team doesn't sign him.
WR Keenan Reynolds
The former Navy quarterback came up with his first catch of the preseason, hauling in a 2-yard reception while getting drilled by a defender. It was a quiet night for the sixth-round pick – that 2-yard reception was his only catch – and the question is whether his preseason was enough to earn him a spot on the roster. Reynolds has run behind Campanaro at both receiver and returner throughout training camp, and it would be difficult to keep both players on the roster. Making the switch from college quarterback to NFL receiver is a difficult transition, so Reynolds would be an ideal practice squad candidate if the Ravens opted to go that route with him.
DT Willie Henry
The fourth-round pick was flagged for a roughing the passer penalty on fourth-and-goal in the fourth quarter. The penalty gave the Saints a fresh sent of downs and they turned that into a touchdown. It was the second late-game penalty Henry has recorded this preseason, as he also jumped offsides against the Colts on a field-goal attempt in the second game. Henry explained himself to Harbaugh after the play, and it remains to be seen whether the penalties will keep the rookie from making the team. Harbaugh said after the game that the tackle was clean and executed just as coaches have taught Henry. He had a solid night outside of the penalty, as he was able to provide interior pressure on the quarterback. He finished with one tackle on the night.
The Ravens take on the Saints in week 4 of the 2016 preseason.