Falcons vs. Ravens: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Time and Predictions
By Chris Roling
Aug 8, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) runs with the ball during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Both the Baltimore Ravens and Atlanta Falcons were involved in blowouts in Week 1 of the preseason as the Ravens curbstomped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Falcons fell victim to the Cincinnati Bengals in a big way.
Preseason outcomes do not really matter, but something is going to have to give when the Falcons visit the Ravens on Thursday in Week 2 preseason action.
There are plenty of things to watch for, but here is the most important stuff.
Where: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore
When: August 15, 2013, 7:30 PM ET
Watch: WGCL 46 (CBS – Atlanta), WBAL 11 (NBC – Baltimore)
Live Stream: NFL Preseason Live
Falcons Player to Watch: Jonathan Massaquoi
May 29, 2013; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi (96) during organized team activities at the Falcons Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Massaquoi figures to be an important backup next year for the Falcons along the defensive line and he showed exactly why against the Bengals as he recorded a sack and a tackle for a loss.
There is plenty of talent on the line in front of Massaquoi, but he has begun to show the coaching staff he can be relied on a rotation basis or is someone in front of him goes down with an injury. It’s been a slow development period, but Massaquoi is developing into a player to watch.
Ravens Player to Watch: Dallas Clark
Nov 18, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Dallas Clark (44) reacts after scoring the winning touchdown in overtime. The Buccaneers defeated the Panthers 27-21 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Who? You know Clark, but he only recently signed with the Ravens as a result of the season-ending injury to tight end Dennis Pitta. Clark is going to have to fight his way up a depth chart and prove he still has enough in the tank to make contributions.
It’s hard to know how much player time, if any, Clark will receive, so even if he does not play against the Falcons, keep a very close eye on the tight end situation overall.
Matchup to Watch: Falcons Secondary vs. Ravens Passing Attack
May 4, 2013; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) participates in drills at Falcons Rookie Camp. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
The Falcons secondary struggled in Week 1, and the spotlight on rookie cornerback Desmond Trufant seemed to have a negative impact on his play.
Baltimore’s passing attack is not what it used to be with Pitta out of the way and Anquan Boldin out of town, so it is the perfect time for the vulnerable secondary to get some game experience.
Watch the secondary closely. The Falcons coaching staff has to figure something out as far as starters go.
Prediction
Aug 12, 2013; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks Joe Flacco (5) and Tyrod Taylor (2) throw passes during training camp at the Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
The Ravens are a deeper team than most realize after an offseason of overhyped losses. Baltimore is a threat as long as Joe Flacco can continue to play at a high level.
The amount of depth the Ravens have is stunning. It won’t mean much in the grand scheme of things, but expect the impressive depth on offense to keep pouring it on against the Falcons. Not much is going to change here when compared with Week 1.
Falcons 17, Ravens 34
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