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The preseason is now in the books, and in less than two days, at least 22 of the 75 players currently on the Ravens roster will be looking for new jobs.
Unfortunately for the Ravens, not many guys on the roster bubble showed too much tonight. The kickers didn't get the opportunity to make much of a final statement, Troy Smith had just an average night, and none of the wide receivers had a huge game on the offensive side of the ball.
Still, there were a few players who had decent performances tonight. Here are three winners from tonight's preseason finale, as well as three guys who failed to step up with the pressure on.
Plusses
WR/KR David Reed - The rookie fifth-round pick had a nice night from scrimmage, making three catches for a game-high 65 yards, and he flashed his playmaking ability on special teams as well, taking a kickoff back 53 yards. Consistency continues to be an issue for Reed, as he had a potential touchdown pass bounce off his hands and fall incomplete. All-in-all, though, Reed might have done enough to earn a roster spot.
T Ramon Harewood - Harewood played the full four quarters at left tackle tonight, and he played fairly well. The rookie sixth-round pick struggled a bit when facing the Rams' first-team defensive line, which is to be expected, but he looked better when St. Louis went to their second unit. He continues to show promise, but the question is if he has done enough to make the active roster.
WR Demetrius Williams - Notoriously a guy who has trouble staying healthy and getting on the field, Williams battled through a sprained ankle and suited up tonight after missing the last week and a half of practice. For Williams, being healthy enough to suit up is considered progress. But the wideout also made a couple nice grabs, totaling 38 receiving yards in the process. It wasn't a Pro Bowl performance, but it might be enough to keep Williams around.
Minuses
T Ramon Harewood - Yes, Harewood was listed in the "plusses" category. But getting flagged for two penalties on three plays, including a 15-yard personal foul, qualifies the rookie for the "minuses" list as well. Harewood has a lot of upside, but he needs to play a little smarter in the future.
ILB Jason Phillips - The TCU product showed again tonight that he can be a force in the running game, making a team-high nine tackles, but he continues to get exposed in pass coverage. Phillips has trouble turning his hips and running in coverage, and he got burned on a few occasions tonight. Those mistakes could keep him off the 53.
CB/PR Prince Miller - Miller needed to make the most of every punt return tonight and prove he was capable of handling that job. On his first opportunity of the night, however, the undrafted rookie made a major gaffe that likely will ensure that he's one of the guys let go on Saturday. Miller tried to field a punt inside his own 10-yard-line (which was his first mistake), then muffed the punt (which was his second). The ball rolled into the end zone, where luckily for Miller, it was recovered by the Ravens, but that mistake could prove to be the final blow to the Georgia product's chances at a roster spot.
