Here are the top takeaways and highest-graded players from the Baltimore Ravens' 23-14 preseason Week 4 win over the New Orleans Saints.
Ryan Mallet unimpressive in preseason on intermediate and deep throws
Quarterback grades: Ryan Mallett, 50.6; Josh Johnson, 72.8
Backup quarterback Ryan Mallet only dropped back to pass 12 times. He did complete every pass under 10 yards versus the Saints this week; however, when he attempted a pass over 10 yards, he went two-for-six for 33 yards. This has been a preseason trend where he has only completed five passes on 14 attempts when the ball has traveled 10 yards in the air. If Joe Flacco happens to go down with another injury, the Ravens could be in for another high draft pick next year.
Ryan Mallett preseason passing summary
Top offensive grades
WR Chris Matthews, 81.4
G Vladimir Ducasse, 81.4
C Matt Skura, 80.7
C Ryan Jensen, 78.3
G Alex Lewis, 76.4
Undrafted rookie C Matt Skura just bests Ryan Jensen; could have roster-spot implications
This was the last chance for the rookies to show that they belong on the roster and warrant playing time. Undrafted center Matt Skura may have forced such an argument with his Week 4 performance, pushing Ryan Jensen for a roster spot as a backup interior offensive lineman.
Top defensive grades
ED Chris Carter, 86
DI Michael Pierce, 77.2
ED Victor Ochi, 75.8
ED Matt Judon, 75.8
DI Willie Henry, 75.7
Ravens' exhibit strong pass-rushing depth
The Baltimore Ravens once again look to be finding more outside linebackers who can rush the passer. 2011 draft pick Chris Carter had yet another strong preseason showing, making it two years in a row now finishing in the top 15 for pass-rushing productivity at his respective position. On the opposite side of Carter, rookie Matt Judon finished off his strong preseason with another two QB hits as he showed the speed off the edge that caused the Ravens to draft him in the fifth round out of Grand Valley State College.
Quarterback grade: Garrett Grayson, 50.2
Rough outing from Saints QB Garrett Grayson
With both Drew Brees and Luke McCown playing a handful of snaps each, this was the last chance Garrett Grayson had to show how close he was to being ready if both veterans happened to get injured. Unfortunately for Saints fans, the good showing Grayson had in preseason Week 1 looks to be more of the exception after his struggles the past three weeks. Outside of one deep pass that was dropped by WR Tommylee Lewis, Grayson failed to connect on any pass over 10 yards.
Top offensive grades
FB Austin Johnson, 78.5
C Max Unger, 73.1
FB John Kuhn, 72
RB Marcus Murphy, 70.9
G Tim Lelito, 69.8
Saints RB Marcus Murphy earns personal preseason-best grade
Second-year running back Marcus Murphy showed the all-around ability he possesses; Murphy ran the ball six times and forced four missed tackles, with an average of 5.83 yards after contact. While in the return game, he showed the ability to get upfield and change the field position; a couple of his best returns where called back due to penalties, though you can see the ability he possesses when he has room to run.
Top defensive grades
LB Stephone Anthony, 80
LB Michael Muti, 79
LB Craig Robertson, 75.7
CB De'Vante Harris, 74.1
CB P.J. Williams, 73.8
Undrafted rookie CB De'Vante Harris with strong outing, but could prove too little, too late
Undrafted cornerback De'Vante Harris had his best performance of the preseason verses the Ravens. Prior to this week, Harris had allowed 141 yards in coverage on 13 targets, while this week he was only targeted one time for 5 yards. As the Saints have to trim their roster to 53 players, it might be a surprise if Harris does make the team; however, New Orleans may look at him as a player they can keep on their practice squad and develop over the season to see how he progress for next year.
Ready for the Saints regular-season opener against the Raiders? See the New Orleans 2016 season preview here.
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