After a strong defensive performance in last week’s game, the Ravens will take the field again tomorrow night against Miami. Here are 10 things to look out for, and where you can find the game.
WHAT: Preseason Week Two
WHEN: 7 p.m.; Thursday, August 17
WHERE: Hard Rock Stadium; Miami Gardens, Fla. (65,326)
2016 RECORDS: Ravens, 8-8; Dolphins, 10-6
LIFETIME SERIES (preseason): First meeting (regular season series tied, 6-6)
TV: WBAL-TV (Channel 11) (Gerry Sandusky, Brian Billick, booth; Evan Washburn, sidelines)
RADIO (simulcast): WIYY-FM, 97.9 (Sandusky, Billick, Washburn)
TV RE-AIRS:
NFL Network (Dolphins feed w/Dick Stockton, Bob Griese, Nat Moore) – Friday, 10 a.m. and 1 a.m. (Sat.); Saturday, 9:30 a.m.; Wed., Aug. 23, 4 a.m.
REFEREE: Terry McAulay
TEN KEY RAVENS TO WATCH AT DOLPHINS
Courtesy Baltimore Ravens
1.QB THAD LEWIS
Even though he has been with seven NFL teams in seven years, he was a two-time all-conference pick at Duke who set several school records. Quality quarterback depth is essential, given the questionable condition of Joe Flacco’s back.
2. RB DANNY WOODHEAD
Even with this third-down playmaker held out of the preseason opener against Washington, it would be good to see what he can contribute to a running game that showed good balance and persistence last week.
3. WR JEREMY MACLIN
Maclin was held out of last week’s game, but he makes our list again because this new slot-receiver acquisition needs to show right away that he can be the kind of play-maker the Ravens have long sought.
4. LG JERMAINE ELUEMUNOR
The rookie fifth-round pick — one of only two offensive players the Ravens took in the draft, along with done-for-the-year guard Nico Siragusa — has a rare opportunity to step up and prove that he can be a viable option on a troubled unit.
5. TE NICK BOYLE
Perhaps it was due to spotty quarterback play last week, but the tight end quandary was far from settled against the Redskins. Boyle is the de facto starter for now, as he is the best all-around member of this position group.
Courtesy Baltimore Sun
6. DT CARL DAVIS
The former mid-round draft pick has seen his name bandied about in possible trade scenarios. If nothing else, a good showing in this game’s latter stages can provide a good audition tape for teams interested in him.
7. CB BRANDON BOYKIN
The Dolphins have a dynamic receiving core and a strong-armed (albeit an erratic) quarterback in Jay Cutler throwing to it. Boykin has been one of the slot corner candidates, and he’ll need a good showing here.
8. LB ZA’DARIUS SMITH
The customary sophomore slump has accelerated Smith’s slide to where he could be fighting merely to make the team. With the addition of rookie pass rushers Tyus Bowser and Tim Williams, Smith needs to resurrect his motor.
9. DE BRENT URBAN
A special-teams kick-blocking ace, Urban put his progress on full display last week with four tackles, two forced fumbles and a sack. More consistency and steadiness are the keys for him now that he looks like a starter.
10. WR-RS KEENAN REYNOLDS
Can one big 46-yard punt return against Washington make the difference for the former Navy quarterback? The coaching staff has pointed to great improvement from Reynolds, but he faces a lot of competition for the return role.
