Latest news with #LaJohntayWester
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ravens vs. Colts: Studs and duds from Baltimore's 24-16 preseason win over Indianapolis
The Baltimore Ravens are undefeated heading into Week 2 of the preseason after a 24-16 win over the Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium days after an intense joint practice session. With Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and key starters sitting out, several under-the-radar players were able to make their presence known. We're looking at the studs and the duds from the Baltimore Ravens' 24-16 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in the preseason opener. Stock up WR LaJohntay Wester The rookie sixth-round pick out of Colorado scored an 87-yard return for a touchdown minutes after an impressive 17-yard return where he put his elite footwork on display. Wester also led the Ravens with two catches for 41 yards, including a 30-yard grab that was the longest reception for either team. Stock down -- Ravens backup QBs Cooper Rush has a reputation as a solid NFL backup, but his Ravens debut will be one he wants to forget. Rush's first pass as a Raven was intercepted when he lobbed an ugly fade route to Dayton Wade. Rush finished 2-of-4 for 16 yards. Leary finished 3-for-12 for 43 yards and had a potential scoring drive end in an interception. Stock up RB Keaton Mitchell Mitchell has regained his explosiveness and, on Thursday night, had several dynamic runs, including a 22-yard touchdown run. Stock up T.J. Tampa The former Iowa State cornerback is competing in a deep position group and had a solid outing, logging six tackles and two passes defended. Stock up - CB Jalyn Armour-Davis The fourth-year corner was viewed as a bubble player heading into the night, but nearly had an interception on the Colts' first series, then recorded a third-down pass breakup on a deep comeback. Stock up -LB Jay Higgins IV The undrafted inside linebacker made a list of players to watch heading into the game, and the former All-American out of Iowa logged an interception and played with physicality. Stock down -RG Daniel Faalele Faalele was a Pro Bowl alternate in 2024. Still, he was one of three starting offensive linemen who played, and he allowed a sack in the first quarter when he was knocked to the turf by Colts defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore. Stock down: Ravens pass catchers Thanks to the quarterback struggles, Keith Kirkwood, Anthony Miller, Dayton Wade, and Devontez Walker were held without a catch on the night. Stock up - DB Beau Brade Looking to carve out a role at safety, the former Maryland star had seven tackles and one pass defended. Stock up-OLB Adisa Isaac The former Penn State pass rusher had four tackles, one tackle for loss, and one QB hit on the night. This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Studs and duds from Ravens 24-16 preseason win over the Colts
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ravens vs. Colts: 5 standouts from Baltimores 24-16 preseason win over Indianapolis
The Baltimore Ravens are undefeated heading into Week 2 of the preseason after a 24-16 win over the Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium days after an intense joint practice session. With Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and key starters sitting out, several under-the-radar players were able to make their presence known. We're looking at five standouts from the Baltimore Ravens' 24-16 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in the preseason opener. WR LaJohntay Wester Speed is the name of the game, and the rookie out of Colorado was electric in his debut. Wester scored an 87-yard return for a touchdown minutes after an impressive 17-yard return where he put his elite footwork on display. Wester also led the Ravens with two catches for 41 yards, including a 30-yard grab that was the longest reception for either team. RB Keaton Mitchell Mitchell has regained his explosiveness and, on Thursday night, had several dynamic runs, including a 22-yard touchdown run. Overall, Mitchell had nine carries for 68 yards (7.6 avg) and one rushing touchdown. OLB Mike Green Green had two tackles on the night, a pressure on quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. that nearly led to an interception on the Colts' first drive, and his explosive power was on display in limited snaps. K Tyler Loop Loop has been outstanding during training camp, and the rookie responded after pushing a kick wide left from 46 yards out. He rebounded in the fourth quarter, drilling a 52-yard field goal. OLB David Ojabo David Ojabo knocked Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. out of the game when he came unblocked off the edge for a sack. RB Rasheen Ali Ali has three outstanding running backs ahead of him on the depth chart, but he made his case to be a special-teams standout and reliable backup. Ali returned a kickoff 69 yards and rushed nine times for 37 yards and a touchdown. This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 5 standouts from Ravens 24-16 preseason win over the Colts
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
5 Most Exciting Rookie Performances from NFL Preseason Week 1
After all 32 teams saw action from Thursday to Sunday, Week 1 of the NFL preseason is complete. Before we look forward to Week 2, when more starters should see an increase in snaps, it's time to look at what transpired in Week 1. Now, it's time to reflect on some of the most exciting performances from opening weekend, which features a quintet of rookies. Baltimore Ravens' LaJohntay Wester's Punt Return TD John Harbaugh and the Baltimore Ravens know how quickly a big play on special teams can impact the outcome of a game. They may have just found their next gamechanging weapon in the form of sixth-round rookie LaJohntay Wester who had an electrifying 89-yard punt return touchdown in his NFL debut. Wester may have sealed his fate on the Ravens' roster with just one play, but his presence should have Ravens fans excited for the season ahead. New England Patriots' TreVeyon Henderson's Vision TreVeyon Henderson erased any possible doubts as to whether the NFL would be too big or too quick for the former Ohio State star. Henderson's claim to fame will likely be as a running back but he got a chance to show off his vision with an incredible 100-yard kick return touchdown the very first time he took the field. If anything, it shows that the Patriots just need to find ways to get their rookie rusher the ball, no matter what it takes. Cam Ward's Unofficial Debut While he hasn't gotten as much coverage as fifth-round rookie Shedeur Sanders, first overall pick Cam Ward has quietly checked off all the boxes while flying under the radar. Yet, in his first preseason game, the ball was jumping out of his hand into the arms of Tennessee Titans receivers. Ward completed 5-of-8 passes for 67 yards, leading a 65-yard touchdown drive in the process. Seeing his early connection with Calvin Ridley should have Titans fans excited about what Brian Calllahan's offense can do with a dual-threat weapon at QB. Jaxson Dart Turns Up The Heat in New York The New York Giants have already named Russell Wilson the starting quarterback, but based on the way he played, no one told Jaxson Dart the competition was over. The Giants' first-round rookie completed 12-of-19 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown while adding another 24 yards as a rusher. While Dart won't open as the starter, Wilson's leash just got a few links shorter. Shedeur Sanders Makes Waves in Cleveland Last, but certainly not least, it would be impossible to ignore the impressive starting debut by Shedeur Sanders, who completed 14-of-23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns. The Cleveland Browns added four quarterbacks this offseason, and they invested the least in the fifth-round rookie. But after that performance, there's no way he'll be able to sneak onto the practice squad. Sanders excelled despite not receiving any first-team reps in training camp. Which makes us wonder, what could he do if the team was all-in on him developing chemistry with his receivers? If nothing else, Sanders just earned himself a few brownie points in the locker room and with the coaching staff for performing much better than a 144th overall pick should. Related: Related Headlines Patriots replace one undrafted free agent with another on Sunday Latest Patriots 53-Man Roster Projection Is Bad News For Two Wide Receivers Promising Patriots Rookie Placed On Injured Reserve Following Preseason Opener Patriots' rookie continues to stand above the rest after impressive preseason debut
USA Today
16 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Updated 53-man roster prediction following Ravens' preseason win over the Colts
Baltimore defeated Indianapolis 24-16 in the preseason opener, and we're looking at an updated 53-man roster prediction with a few changes and some surprises After months of waiting, Baltimore returned to M&T Bank Stadium for an entertaining preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts. This is a loaded roster with few holes or opportunities to steal a starting spot or carve out a key role on offense or defense. With the Ravens set to begin preparation for Dallas, we're releasing another 53-man roster prediction with a few surprises. Random note: The Baltimore Ravens have granted outside linebacker David Ojabo an international roster exemption, opening up a spot for an extra player this offseason. According to "a qualifying international player is a person whose citizenship and principal place of residence are outside the United States and Canada, and who has a maximum of two years of United States high school experience." Ojabo, a 2022 second-round pick out of Michigan by the Ravens, was born in Nigeria but moved to Scotland in 2007. At 17, he moved to the United States and played basketball at Blair Academy in Blairstown, New Jersey. Soon after, he switched to football and became teammates with Baltimore outside linebacker Odafe Oweh. Ojabo now enters a pivotal fourth season in the NFL, and while he will not count against a roster spot for now, he will still count on the 53-man roster once the season starts. QB: 2 Lamar Jackson Cooper Rush Lamar Jackson is an MVP candidate. Cooper Rush and Devin Leary looked out of sorts in the opener, but Rush is still among the NFL's most reliable backups. Baltimore could eventually look to bring in a third quarterback. RB: 5 Derrick Henry Justice Hill Keaton Mitchell Rasheen Ali Pat Ricard Baltimore has a solid four at running back, and Rasheen Ali made it difficult for the Ravens to release him. WR: 6 Zay Flowers DeAndre Hopkins Rashod Bateman LaJohntay Wester Devontez Walker Tylan Wallace The final six spots at wide receiver will look similar, with DeAndre Hopkins replacing Nelson Agholor, and LaJohntay Wester being added via the NFL draft. The Ravens drafted LaJohntay Wester and will look for Devontez Walker to take the next steps. TE: 3 Mark Andrews Isaiah Likely Charlie Kolar Baltimore goes chalk at tight end, bringing back its top three players from 2024, all of whom have expiring contracts. OL: 9 Tyler Linderbaum Daniel Faalele Andrew Vorhees Roger Rosengarten Ronnie Stanley Joe Noteboom Garrett Dellinger (Drafted Rookie) Corey Bullock Carson Vinson (Drafted Rookie) DL: 6 Justin Madubuike Broderick Washington Aeneas Peebles (Drafted Rookie) John Jenkins Travis Jones Brent Urban With Michael Pierce retired, Travis Jones has an opportunity for a breakout season. Edge Rusher: 5 Mike Green David Ojabo -- International Roster Exemption Odafe Oweh Kyle Van Noy Adisa Isaac Tavius Robinson Ojabo's roster exemption is the only thing keeping him on this team, while Tavius Robinson looks to make a big jump. LB: 4 Roquan Smith Trenton Simpson Jake Hummel Teddye Buchanan (Draft Pick) CB: 6 Nate Wiggins Jaire Alexander Chidobe Awuzie T.J. Tampa Marlon Humphrey Jalyn Armour-Davis The addition of Jaire Alexander forces Robert Longerbeam to the practice squad in his rookie season, and Jayln Armour-Davis benefits from the Bilhal Kone injury. Safety: 4 Sanoussi Kane Beau Brade Malaki Starks Kyle Hamilton Specialst: 3 Tyler Loop Jordan Stout Nick Moore
New York Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Notable performers in Bengals vs. Eagles
Catch up on our live coverage and reaction, with the NFL preseason schedule up and running Getty Images Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson dislocated the pinky finger on his throwing hand as the opening week of the NFL preseason began tonight. Baltimore beat Indianapolis 24-16, with Ravens wideout LaJohntay Wester's 87-yard punt return touchdown the play of the night. Richardson left the game early in the first quarter after David Ojabo's blind-side sack, with head coach Shane Steichen calling the quarterback 'day-to-day' afterward. Philadelphia secured a 34-27 win over Cincinnati in a game that saw two touchdown passes each for Joe Burrow and Tanner McKee. Finally, Daniel Carlson's 51-yard field goal capped Las Vegas' comeback to secure a 23-23 tie with Seattle in Pete Carroll's return to Lumen field, wrapping up the Thursday action. Three more games will take place Friday night. Share your thoughts: live@ While Tanner McKee, Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase were the standout performers in tonight's Eagles win over the Bengals, here are a few other players who performed well: Eagles RB ShunDerrick Powell — 6 carries for 32 yards, TD — 6 carries for 32 yards, TD Eagles WR Darius Cooper — 6 catches for 82 yards, TD — 6 catches for 82 yards, TD Eagles WR Johnny Wilson — 3 catches for 73 yards — 3 catches for 73 yards Bengals TE Tanner Hudson — 3 catches for 62 yards, 2 TDs — 3 catches for 62 yards, 2 TDs Kickers Evan McPherson and Jake Elliott — both 2-2 on FGs ...the Seahawks' social media admin is having some fun tonight at the expense of Ashton Jeanty. Getty Images Q2 6:37 - Seahawks 13, Raiders 3 Really nice job from two rookies on that play. Running back Damien Martinez splits out wide and draws the secondary deep, giving Drew Lock space to hit Tory Horton on a short stick route. Horton then spins away from a defender — another missed tackle for the Raiders' defense in an ugly first half — and scampers into the end zone for his first NFL touchdown! It's deserved for the training camp standout. However, the Seahawks miss the ensuing extra point. Getty Images Q2 7:35 - Seahawks 7, Raiders 3 Seattle followed up that screen pass Tashan just mentioned with another chunk play as Drew Lock found another open receiver downfield to get the Seahawks into the red zone. Pete Carroll has his work cut out for him with this defense. Getty Images Raiders defense started well... and then lost George Holani on a screen. He's been killing them today. Seattle fans will have to wait a bit to see them on the field together, but here's your first look at Sam Darnold and Cooper Kupp in navy blue game uniforms for the Seahawks... One time star safety Jamal Adams rejuvenated his career once under Pete Carroll. He appears to be making the most of his opportunity to do so again with the Raiders, if his play early on is any indication. Imagn Images Tonight, Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase picked up exactly where they left off last season — creating chaos for opposing defenses. The Bengals starters only played two drives on offense but both possessions were efficient and effective. Burrow went 9-for-10 passing for 123 yards and two touchdowns, one to Tanner Hudson and the other to Chase, who reeled in all four of his targets for 77 yards and a score. On his touchdown catch, Chase caught an out route, pivoted back inside and outran the entire Eagles' secondary into the end zone for the score. Q2 9:22 - Seahawks 7, Raiders 3 Nice response from the Seahawks' defense in the red zone, drawing praise on the broadcast from 'Legion of Boom' legend Michael Bennett. A pass breakup on third down forces the Raiders to take a short field goal, which Daniel Carlson converts. Getty Images Tanner McKee is already penciled in as the Eagles backup quarterback and he left little doubt as to why in his first game action of the preseason. The 25-year-old out of Stanford completed 20 of his 25 passes for 252 yards and two scores. He even added a touchdown on the ground in the first quarter on the Eagles patented 'Tush Push.' McKee played well into the third quarter, accumulating valuable reps in case Philadelphia is ever without their QB1, Jalen Hurts. Imagn Images Q2 10:30 - Seahawks 7, Raiders 0 Now the Raiders are cooking! Back-to-back beautiful seam passes from Aidan O'Connell have Las Vegas down to Seattle's 11-yard line. Marshawn Lynch is shown on the broadcast, and former Seahawks teammates Michael Robinson and Michael Bennett can't help but have fun at his expense, joking about all the products he endorses. 'I don't want to use any soap he uses,' Robinson cracks as Bennett chuckles. Getty Images Joe Burrow and the first-team offense were electric. The rest? Well, I'm guessing there's going to be a lot of teachable moments in the film room. Cincinnati is now winless in seven straight preseason games, for those who care about such things. Q2 13:03 - Seahawks 7, Raiders 0 This is... certainly a preseason game. Drew Lock responds to Aidan O'Connell's ugly interception with a just-as-ugly fumbled snap. Lock falls on the ball to prevent a turnover, but the loss of yardage leads to a Seahawks punt. Seattle was flagged for nearly the entire defense leaving the bench to celebrate the Josh Jobe interception. Why flag that in the preseason? I do not know. And here's what that interception (and celebration) looked like... Getty Images Final - Eagles 34, Bengals 27 After the turnover on downs, the Eagles run the ball three times and the Bengals let the clock run out, presumably because it is only the preseason. Regardless, this ballgame is over. Strong showing from Tanner McKee and the Bengals first-team offense, though they were only on the field for two possessions. Q2 14:47 - Seahawks 7, Raiders 0 Now it's Josh Jobe who's in perfect position to snag a horribly underthrown ball from Aidan O'Connell! Each team has an interception now. The Seahawks are then flagged — because the ENTIRE Seattle starting defense ran onto the field to celebrate with the backup safety. Colts head coach Shane Steichen says linebacker Jaylon Carlies has an ankle injury. No timeline for his return.
