Week 8 Rookie Report: Ravens Triumph Over Bears

The Ravens celebrated their second win of the NFL season with a decisive victory over the Bears. This comes after a bye week where the team focused on self-scouting. As they prepare for their upcoming matchup against Miami, a quick look back at their recent performance reveals several key highlights.

Rookie Performance Highlights

Ravens rookie players made notable contributions in the game. Defensive back Starks had a mixed performance. Although Pro Football Focus (PFF) assigned him an overall grade of 50.7, many fans and analysts disagree with this assessment. Starks was assigned multiple deep coverage responsibilities and occasionally played man coverage.

Despite some struggles, Starks demonstrated athleticism with smooth footwork and impressive tackle abilities. He was on the field for 58 of the 63 defensive snaps, showing signs of improvement in a crucial defensive role.

Mike Green’s Breakthrough

Linebacker Mike Green achieved his first career sack, a significant milestone for the rookie. He executed a well-timed cross chop move to outmaneuver the offensive line. His performance on critical downs, particularly during a pivotal third down leading to a Bears punt, was commendable.

Green played 83% of defensive snaps, showing he can manage the pressures of being a starter. His combination of pass-rush moves and effective run defense highlights his overall development on the field.

Support from Teammates

• Travis Jones was activated to the 53-man roster for the first time. Although he did not play in this game, anticipation grows for his debut and impact.
• Buchanan saw a reduction in snap counts but performed well, especially in pass rush and coverage duties.
• Loop, the placekicker, had an outstanding day, successfully converting all three field goal attempts and maintaining a perfect score on extra points.

Additional Observations

Other rookies like Keyon Martin and Jay Higgins IV had limited defensive roles, but they contributed to special teams. Higgins notably forced a fumble during a kickoff, demonstrating potential for future contributions.

The Ravens’ rookie players are showing promise as they adapt to their roles. With the upcoming game against Miami, their continued development will be crucial for the team’s success.