Trenton Simpson Shows Up

Trenton Simpson enters the 2024 season with a secure spot next to Roquan Smith as the Ravens primary option at WLB.  As such, I would not normally include notes on his play in this article.  However, Simpson had a brilliant game vs the Falcons, including drive-ending plays on the first 3 Atlanta series.  Let’s review:

  • (Q1, 10:11): On 3rd/11, he beat RB Carlos Washington for QH as Heinicke’s pass was dislodged by JAD to force punt
  • (Q1, 3:54): On 2nd/9, he penetrated off the push from Senat to tackle RB McClellan RR-1 with Isaac
  • (Q1, 3:12): On 3rd/9, he tackled the scrambling QB Heinicke for RR2 to force FG attempt
  • (Q2, 10:34): On 3rd/7, he knocked down Heinicke’s pass for TE FitzPatrick 13 yards [5] to force FG attempt
  • (Q2, 4:04): He was blocked by LG Gwyn as part of RB Robinson RR9

With Simpson in the game (the entire first half), the Ravens allowed 48 rushing yards, 2 rushing first downs, and 25 offensive snaps to the Falcons.  After he left, the Ravens allowed 103 rushing yards, 7 rushing first downs, and 39 total plays in the second half.  It’s good to see Trenton take a full pass-coverage role as well as continuing to rush the passer effectively.  He’s been beaten on some wheel routes in camp, so the deep drop for the PD covering Fitzpatrick was a welcome sight.

With a Boot-Boot Here, and a Boot-Boot There…

The Falcons offense was entirely centered around play action and the boot in particular.  The backside Ravens edge defenders (who have primary responsibility for stopping/limiting the boot) were fooled frequently.  In the first half alone, they surrendered completions of 21, 7, 32, 11, and 9 with only 1 denial of ATS (INC, Q2, 11:25) on boot plays.

However, in the second half, the Ravens tightened up their boot recognition by denying ATS on each of the 2 Atlanta attempts (both INC).  That’s 8 boots in 1 football game.

Play action and the threat thereof helps fuel both the Atlanta pass and run games, but this seemed to be a case where the Falcons had early success fooling the backside edge and decided to keep running boots until the Ravens proved they could stop them.  It’s a positive sign for Orr that he was able to plug the hole after halftime.

Christmas Presents Remain Wrapped

The Ravens did not reveal anything truly new in terms of either scheme or package use. 

They played nickel every snap with the exception of the 1st/goal from the 3 (base package) on which the Falcons ran for the TD to bring them within 1.  In addition, the Ravens have yet to use any exotic blitzes the rest of the league may not have seen often if at all. 

I imagine Orr game planning for the preseason by looking through his schematic options and ruling out a significant percentage of his defensive playbook.  For those who remember the movie This is Spinal Tap,this is reminiscent of the scene where the lead guitarist leaves the band, they have only 10 minutes of material, and make the ill-fated decision to try jazz fusion on the fly.  Great movie for you folks under the age of 40 (it came out in 1984).  Here is a link to the scene:

Gracious Guests

The Falcons did not attempt an onside kick after their failed 2-point try left them trailing 13-12 with 33 seconds remaining.  As I understand the new rule, onside kicks must be announced and may only be attempted in the 4th quarter by the trailing team.  The situational conditions were met, so I’m guessing there may have been a few Falcons fans screaming at the TV set over the decision to kick deep and concede the game.

Individual Grades and Notes

As in past years, I have given each Ravens player a grade from +3 to -3 reflecting how much my expectation of their impact on this year’s team changed based on their performance (game grade before the front slash, cumulative grade after).  I don’t rate starters, players who have no place on the team, or anyone for whom I don’t think I have any data for a judgment.  The players here are new to the team, rookies, on the cusp of making the team, have new responsibilities this season, in positional battles, or have otherwise have something to prove.

Armour-Davis (+1/+1):  Jalyn played the 1st, 3rd, and 5th series at RCB (15 Snaps) before retiring midway through Q3.  Other than a tackle on Hollman’s assignment, he made our notes just twice for drive-ending plays:

  • (Q1, 10:11): On 3rd/11, he dislodged the football from WR Blair 19 yards [2] to force a punt
  • (Q3, 11:44): On 3rd/Goal at the 5, he was trailing in coverage of WR Casey Washington but Paddock’s fade was overthrown to force a FG attempt

These were his only 2 targets and this was easily the best of JAD’s 3 career preseason games played.

Board (0/0):  DNP.  He suffered a concussion early in the game vs the Eagles.

Brade (+1/+2):  Beau played the entire 2nd half (41 snaps) paired with Worley at safety.  He had a mixed but good afternoon, including:

  • (Q3, 7:02): He was closing on WR Matthews which forced QB Paddock to throw short pass behind and INC
  • (Q3, 5:50): He tackled Paddock on designed RL3 with assist from Jennings
  • (Q3, 5:20): On 2nd/7, he was not fooled by boot and pressured Paddock to throw INC for WR Ali 2 yards [5]
  • (Q4, 9:35): He made a quick tackle of TE FitzPatrick on PL2 (0 + 2) [1]
  • (Q4, 8:56): He and Pepe Williams bracketed WR Hiliare 15 yards [1] as Paddock underthrew INC
  • (Q4, 8:08): He appeared to make an acrobatic interception 6 yards [1] that was reversed on review
  • (Q4, 8:06): He fell down in coverage of Matthews but Paddock underthrew INC with pressure from Evans and Isaac
  • (Q4, 1:16): He and Evans chased down RB McClellan RL3
  • (Q4, 0:44): On 2nd/7, he was flagged for DH in the end zone on FitzPatrick which was declined when the Falcons converted on PM3

Brade faces an uphill battle for a roster spot in a crowded competition at safety but this game certainly bolstered his chances to make the practice squad.

Cooper (+1/+2):  Bump played the final 4 drives of the game (33 snaps).  I have 2 notes for him being blocked on run plays (once by a WR), but he also evaded the block of RT Wesley in L2 to tackle WR  Matthews on his PR7 screen reception (Q4,11:18).  He was targeted just once as I scored it when he and Worley bracketed James Washington on an incomplete pass (Q3, 2:13).  That makes 5 targets this preseason without a reception.

Cooper remains an excellent option for the practice squad and can play both outside and in the slot. He has lots of competition for the 4/5 slots at outside CB and even more at SCB.  As such the Ravens may have some poaching risk if their depth holds up for the preseason.

Evans (0/-2):  After being significantly overworked in his first NFL game (68 snaps), Joe played rotationally during the 2nd half (38 snaps) vs the Falcons.  He had 2 pressures by beating LT Jones-Smith (Q4, 8:56; Q4, 8:06), the last of which contributed to a drive-ending play.  I have only 1 note where he was blocked near the point of attack on a Falcons run win, but 3 others where he either bit on a fake, was fooled, or failed to close containment (Q3, 13:08; Q4, 13:08; Q4, 8:47).  Both Zach Orr and Kyle Van Noy praised his hard work at the podium over the last week. 

Harrison (+1/+1):  Malik played exclusively at ILB for the first 3 series (17 snaps).  Among 3 tackles were 2 defensive wins.  He and Mullen were beaten over the top on Heinicke’s 32-yard pass to WR Blair (Q2, 11:59).  The versatility to play ILB or OLB significantly boosts his value.

Hollman (0/0): Ka’Dar started and played all but 1 drive at CB (64 snaps).  He was blocked 3 times by WRs on screen plays (Q3, 15:00; Q4, 11:18; Q4, 1:55).  His coverage results were mixed:

  • (Q2, 0:37): On 3rd/10 with ATS, QB Heinicke threw INC 25 yards [5] for WR Casey Washington with a tight bracket from Hollman and Worley
  • (Q3, 13:47): He trailed in coverage of crossing WR Blair on PM27 (20 + 7) [2]
  • (Q3, 12:33): He had coverage of WR Casey Washington 11 yards [1] in end zone as Heinicke thew OOB
  • (Q3, 5:20): He had tight coverage of WR Ali 2 yards [5] as Paddock threw INC
  • (Q4, 10:08): He had trailing coverage of Ali PM19 (19 + 0) [2]
  • (Q4, 1:22): On 2nd/10, Paddock completed PR13 (5 + 8) [4] between Rigby and Hollman

Based on the order of departure, JAD is clearly ahead of Hollman on the CB depth chart and Mullen may be.  All 3 are ahead of Cooper who has excelled both in camp and preseason.

Isaac (+2/+2): He entered on the 2nd drive and did not depart until he was dinged late in Q4 (38 snaps).  His play deserves a review:

  • (Q1, 3:54): On 2nd/19, he assisted Simpson on tackle of RB McClellan RR-1
  • (Q1, 3:12): On 3rd/9, he beat RT Stueber to flush Heinicke right where Simpson tackled RR2 to force FG attempt
  • (Q2, 2:57):  He was held by LT Davenport (not flagged) on RB Carlos Washington RL6
  • (Q2, 1:24): He bulled LT Davenport to flush Heinicke then pursued him to tackle RR5
  • (Q2, 1:07): On 3rd/3, he was fooled by boot left as Heinicke completed PL9 (-2 + 11) [1] to TE FitzPatrick
  • (Q3, 2:50): He was unblocked and contained the front side to tackle RB Brown RM2
  • (Q3, 2:09): On 3rd/8, he was unable to collect the PD from Pepe Williams despite fine effort in a 5-player melee
  • (Q4, 8:06): On 3rd/9, he had a free run at Paddock and pressure from he and Evans forced an INC underthrow 23 yards [1] despite Brades slip in coverage
  • (Q4, 3:20): He was undercut by the pulling TE FitzPatrick to lead RB Brown RL7 and left the game under his own power

Isaac played much more than I expected given his recent activation for practice.  Assuming the injury is not serious, it appears he’ll be ready for a rotational workload in week 1.

Jennings (0/0): Deion played the entire 2nd half (41 snaps) paired with Yvandy Rigby at ILB and registered 5 tackles, only 2 of which were defensive wins.

Kane (0/0): DNP.  He remains sidelined with what was initially reported as a stinger but may have become the concussion protocol and did not dress for practice at any time during the week.

Matthew (-1/-2): DNP.  I don’t believe we ever heard specifics on the injury which kept him out for the entire week of practice.  His chance to make the team is dwindling rapidly and is not helped by the fact he is a 3rd-year player and 27 years old.  He is the sort of player that is added to a practice squad or roster as CB depth thins with attrition.

Mullen (+1/0): He entered for the second Falcons possession and played the remainder of the first half.  Here are our notes for him:

  • (Q1, 7:50): Heinicke threw to WR Blair PL21 (4 + 17) [1] in an apparent zone breakdown where Mullen was closest
  • (Q2, 11:59): He and Harrison were beaten over the top in zone for PL32 (25 + 7) [1] to WR Blair between L2 and L3
  • (Q2, 0:45): He had step-for-step (SFS) coverage of WR Casey Washington 15 yards [1], which fell INC
  • (Q2, 0:42): On 2nd/10, he dislodged Heinicke’s pass for Casey Washington 6 yards [2] at the catch point

He wasn’t perfect but I scored him as a +1 largely for getting past the injury.  Trayvon will be 27 in September and is now 3 seasons removed from his last start for the Raiders.  His contract is not guaranteed and he’ll be a UFA at the end of the season if he is not waived prior.

Ojabo (+1/0):  David played rotationally for the entire first half (16 snaps) and accumulated some positive notes:

  • (Q1, 11:29): He held the left edge vs TE FitzPatrick which allowed Jones to strafe for tackle of RB Carlos Washington RL1
  • (Q1, 7:20): He was blocked by LT Davenport and was unable to bring down RB Washington at zero yards on RL6
  • (Q2, 10:34): On 3rd/7, he beat RT Stueber for pressure and hand in face as Heinicke’s pass for TE FitzPatrick was knocked down by Simpson to force FG attempt
  • (Q2, 0:45): He beat RT Stueber with spin inside for QH as Heinicke threw INC for WR Casey Washington

His epic camp battles with Qadir Ismail further solidify the notion he’ll be a situational pass rusher.  He looked the part vs the Falcons.

Ravenell (0/+1):  He entered in Q3 and played rotationally for the remainder of the game (17 snaps) without having to play any edge.  His only tackle was a defensive win.

Rigby (0/0):  He entered in Q2 and logged 51 snaps at ILB including 7 more tackles.  However, just as in the first game, 6 were defensive losses.  His INT during practice this week, potential ST value, and size to play Mike all should help him land a practice squad role.

Robinson (0/+1):  He played rotationally for the entire game (44 snaps) at OLB.  I scored him for 1 pressure event (Q2, 11:25) among 22 pass rush snaps.  He had a mixed afternoon of run defense that included 2 big highlights:

  • (Q1, 5:27): On 4th/2, he was blocked by RT Stueber to help lead RB Robinson RM8
  • (Q2, 11:25): He was not fooled by the naked boot and pressured Heinicke to force INC 11 yards [5]
  • (Q2, 4:04): He missed the tackle at 5 yards on RB Washington RR9
  • (Q4, 1:50): He was bumped outside by RT Wesley to make space for RB McClellan RM15
  • (Q4, 0:36): On the game deciding 2-pt try, he crashed unblocked off the ORS to tackle McClellan and preserve the Ravens 13-12 lead

Robinson has had a fine camp and could take a big step forward in year 2.

Roche:  He was released this week.

Ross (-1/-1):  DNP.  Snaps he might have played were filled by Harrison.  Ross seems to offer more in coverage than Rigby and Jennings, his primary competition for the 4th ILB spot.  However, the Ravens could go with only 3 and use the versatility of Malik Harrison to save a slot on the 53.

Senat (-1/-1):  Deadrin entered on the second Falcons drive and played rotationally for the remainder of the game (33 snaps).  He had a nice play to back up C Neuzil which allowed Simpson and Isaac to tackle McClellan RR-1 (Q1, 3:54).  Unfortunately he also had 5 negative run notes for being blocked at or near the point of attack on Atlanta run wins including a MT on McClellan’s RM17 (Q4, 12:34).  He had a pressure by bull of LG Leglue that was negated by the illegal contact flag on Pepe Williams.

Tampa (0/0):  DNP.  He was a limited participant in practice this week, so it remains possible he’ll be active for the final preseason game.  His roster spot is not in jeopardy.

Tupou (-1/+1):  Josh entered on the second Falcons drive and played rotationally for the rest of the game (38 snaps).  He made our notes 4 times, all for being blocked at or near the point of attack on Atlanta run wins.

Walthour (0/-1): Tramel entered on the final drive of the 1st half and played 23 snaps.  He made our notes just 1 time for a blocking loss to a double team.

Washington, A. (+1/+2):  Ar’Darius played the entire first half (27 snaps) before retiring.  He didn’t have a coverage note, but made 2 nice downhill tackles (Q2, 11:18; Q2, 2:00) as well as tackle of TE FitzPatrick on the open field (Q2, 1:07).

Good form tackling results such as these are exactly what Washington needs to help him secure a role at safety where his ability to put opponents on the ground will be tested.

Wiggins (0/+3):  DNP.  He returned to practice this week, including full participation.

Williams, D (-1/+1):  Pepe played the entire game to lead the Ravens in snaps (68) but had a difficult day.  He had 3 missed tackles as I scored it (Q1, 6:43; Q2, 4:04; Q3, 15:00).  He was flagged for illegal contact to convert 3rd/8 (Q4, 8:52).  He was also targeted 4 times for 2 completions and just 17 yards.  His highlight was a drive ending PD/QH on an unblocked blitz off the ORS (Q3, 2:09).

The Ravens have run the same SCB/ILB blitz from opposite sides in each game.  Last year the Ravens had 6 sacks from SCB.  While Orr is definitely holding back, it appears he may have a similar penchant for pressure from SCB to both of his predecessors.

Worley (+1/+2):  Daryl played 51 snaps beginning with the Falcons 4th drive.  Twice he had half of tight bracket coverage that forced an incompletion (Q2, 0:37; Q3, 2:13).  The only time he was targeted in single coverage Paddock threw incomplete for TE FitzPatrick (Q4, 1:27).  He made 2 tackles including 1 defensive win and did not miss a tackle.  Despite his fine play and value on special teams, the Ravens may need to either suffer attrition or get creative with the use of IR to have him on their roster for week 1.

Defensive MVPs:

  1. Trenton Simpson
  2. Adisa Isaac
  3. Tavius Robinson

Honorable mention to Jalyn Armour-Davis, Beau Brade, Bump Cooper, David Ojabo, Ar’Darius Washington, Daryl Worley.