The second preseason contest provides slightly more entertainment for fans as the top two units gradually garner more playing time as the regular season gets closer.
While neither the Baltimore Ravens or the Cowboys will likely play their starters more than a quarter, there are still a few players who will make an impact in the regular season that will generate reps when it counts against the top units.
For the Baltimore side of things, here are three players to watch:
Courtesy: ESPN.com
1. FB Kyle Juszczyk
In the Ravens’ first preseason contest against the San Francisco 49ers, Juszczyk made Baltimore forget the name “Vonta Leach”. Sure, he isn’t the same caliber of blocker that big No. 44 was, but his versatility and ability to step right in and contribute in year two has been noticed early on.
His style has seemed to fit offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak’s style in the that he can block for whoever the deep back is behind him, while also slip out of the backfield for a sizeable gain. Coming out of Harvard as a rookie, the big buzz surrounding Juszczyk was his versatility and Kubiak appears as if he wants to take advatnage of that strength. Juszczyk wasn’t limited to just slip screens in the Ravens’ first game and don’t expect him to be constricted in this offense.
Since he doesn’t really have competition at his position, monitor how much playing time he has and also how efficiently he is used against the top two units.
Courtesy: BaltimoreRavens.com
2. CB Chykie Brown
While Juszczyk played well in his first game this preseason, Chykie Brown struggled a bit at the cornerback position.
Brown is a guy looking to step up and make more of an impact with the departure of Corey Graham to Buffalo. However, it appears as if some of the same issues that plagued him last season and in his career up to this point are still evident.
Chykie is an athletic corner and has the ability to run step-for-step with almost any receiver he is pinned up against. But against the 49ers, he failed to turn his head around and look back at the ball when it was released from the quaterback’s hand. Penalty flags were thrown his way and frustration was evident.
The last time the Ravens played the Cowboys during the 2012 regular season, Brown was given the chance to face off against Dez Bryant on the outside and more than held his own as he made a huge stop on a two-point conversion play that proved to be a huge difference in the outcome of the game.
If Brown can remember to flip his head around at the last second, he might not be exposed as much. It’s hard to coach instincts though.
Courtesy: Baltimore Sun
3. ILB C.J. Mosley
It was apparent in his rookie debut — albeit preseason — that C.J. Mosley is the real deal.
The instincts, the tackling ability, lateral quickness. He possesses the skills needed to be a great modern day NFL linebacker.
There were a few instances where the rook was caught looking in the backfield instead of watching the action of the guards, but that is expected for a guy who is still in the adjustment period from the college to the pro game.
Steady progress is always something to monitor when watching young players. If Mosley continues to build on his successful debut, Baltimore may have potentially grabbed another steal with their “best player available” mentality.
