Studs and Duds from Falcons' preseason loss to the Ravens
The Atlanta Falcons suffered a 13-12 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Saturday's preseason matchup. While it wasn't the most exciting game, it managed to stay competitive until the final seconds. Atlanta scored a touchdown in the final minute to pull within one point.
Instead of going for a tie that would have extended a meaningless game, the Falcons went for the two-point conversion but came up short. On the bright side, there weren't any significant injuries and only one preseason game remains before the regular season kicks off on September 8.
Rookie Ruke Orhorhoro recorded his first NFL sack and wide receiver Chris Blair had a big game. As for negatives, Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo had a rough day, missing three field goals. Check out the studs and duds from Atlanta's preseason loss to the Ravens below:
STUD: WR Chris Blair
Blair led both teams with 91 receiving yards on four catches on Saturday. With Rondale Moore and Jakeem Grant placed on the injured reserve list over the last week, there's a legit opportunity for the young receiver to make the 53-man roster. Aside from Blair's big day, the performance of the team's wide receivers was underwhelming overall. Blair has put the work in over the last few offseasons. Perhaps 2024 will be the year he finally gets his shot.
DUD: K Younghoe Koo
It's hard to label Koo a dud when he made an incredible touchdown-saving tackle in the first half. However, Koo struggled in the kicking game on Saturday, going just 2-for-5 on field goal attempts. While fans were concerned about the missed kicks, Koo has been one of the most accurate kickers in the league since signing with the Falcons in 2019. He may not have had his best game against the Ravens, but everyone is entitled to a bad day on occasion. At least Koo's came in the preseason.
STUD: RB Jace McClellan
Despite having one of the NFL's top running back duos, the Falcons selected Alabama's Jase McClellan in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL draft. Thus far, McClellan has been the most productive back in both preseason games. The rookie finished Saturday's game with 11 carries for 55 yards and a late touchdown run in the final minute. Carlos Washington and McClellan are likely battling for the same roster spot. Washington finished the game with nine carries for 39 rushing yards.
DUD: CB Anthony Thomas
The Falcons defense got decent pressure on Saturday but severely struggled in pass coverage. Ravens quarterback Josh Johnson completed 11 of 11 passes for 120 passing yards and a touchdown. Cornerback Anthony Thomas got torched on Johnson's 56-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Dayton Wade. Thomas bit on Wade's stutter step and allowed the wide receiver to get behind him for the easy score. There's still another game for Thomas to bounce back, so don't write off the young defensive back just yet.
STUD: DL Ruke Orhorhoro
Ruke Orhorhoro was one of the few key players to appear in Saturday's game. Atlanta's second-round pick led a strong effort from the Falcons' defensive front. Orhorhoro had an impressive sack on Baltimore's opening drive. The former Clemson pushed right through the Ravens offensive line to take down quarterback Josh Johnson. We wouldn't expect to see the rookie play anymore in the preseason, especially now that the team has ruled out quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
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This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Studs and Duds from Falcons' preseason loss to the Ravens
