Bobby Rainey
The Ravens drafted Bernard Pierce in the third round to possibly use him as their second running back. So far, he has had a solid preseason and may have done just that. Another back may have something to say about that.
Undrafted free agent Bobby Rainey has made a splash in the Ravens’ backfield this preseason and has made me forget who Anthony Allen is.
Rainey has showed the ability to not only run with a low center of gravity and between the tackles, but also the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. He has worked with the first, second and third string units and hasn’t disappointed on any unit that he has been on.
Rainey has also demonstrated the ability to return both kicks and punts adding even further to his value.
While Allen has had somewhat of a disappointing camp in comparison to Rainey, he still offers a lot in special teams.
Will the Ravens keep four running backs?
Will Rainey make the squad and contribute to the Ravens this year?
If he continues the success he’s had so far, it would make sense to see the former Western Kentucky Hilltopper donning purple this fall.
Justin Tucker
This may seem confusing to some but I think this week will be the tell-tale game for Tucker.
He has won the job against Billy Cundiff, who was given the boot yesterday. Now the work begins.
Tucker has not only displayed his impressive kicking skills and abilities throughout the season when he was in the competition splitting reps with Cundiff. Now that Cundiff is gone, how will Tucker respond.
Will he maintain the same killer instinct that he showed through0ut training camp and the preseason?
What will happen to him when he finally misses a field goal?
He will be in a dome stadium this week so it may not be the best representation of what we will see from Tucker this year, but it will be interesting to see how he responds to not only the freedom of no longer being in competition, but how he handles the pressure of being the lone kicker for the Baltimore Ravens.
Remember, Billy Cundiff took the brunt of the blame for the AFC Championship loss last year and no doubt it shook his mental toughness. The whole town was against him and the move had to be made. If Tucker screws up, will he be able to not only own up to his mistakes, but will he survive in this town? Time will tell and this game on Thursday is the first step, even though it doesn’t count.
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