By Christian Clark
Professional football is finally back! Personally, I get excited for the first fifteen minutes of the game. Then, when I come back to my senses and realize what I’m watching (i.e. subpar execution of offense, sloppy play, etc) and viewing players I’m seeing for the first time, I realize we still have a little bit to go before the real action begins. However, fans did get a pretty entertaining finish for preseason’s sake.
Although this is a game for the developmental and younger individuals, it still satisfied my pallet to see two of the NFL’s greatest linebackers in Bears’ LB Brian Urlacher and Ravens’ LB Ray Lewis be represented by two historically great franchises in this iteration of the Hall of Fame Game. Of course, both Urlacher and Lewis will see their HOF busts in Canton this weekend along with the rest of the class including Brian Dawkins, the first ever Clemson HOF’er, the sassy T.O., and Randy Moss himself.
For those unaware, the preseason is a tune-up for players, coaches, refs, and everyone associated with the NFL before the regular season begins. I do have some food for thought: personal fouls will be huge in 2018! If this preseason exhibition was any indication, there will be an increase in not only personal fouls but possible ejections. Remember that in 2017, a new rule was implemented that stated two personal fouls will result in ejection from the contest.
To many bubble players, this game is crucial to their chances of making their respective rosters or even getting another opportunity with another team. Here is my selection of three players that did their part and showed up BIG on Thursday Night!
Gold Star: Kamalei Correa, LB, Ravens
Without a doubt, if there was an award for “Hall of Fame Game MVP,” Correa would have undoubtedly been the recipient. C.J. Mosley is obviously the lead dog in Baltimore but if he was to unfortunately go down, the drop off would be minimal. Correa was able to snag an interception, create a strip sack inside the red-zone, and if that wasn’t enough, finishing second in total tackles for the game. We’ve seen teams with high aspirations be ruined when a star player goes down without an adequate backup. Correa further proves that the linebacking group in Baltimore is among the league’s most talented.
Silver Star: Javon Wims, WR, Bears
The Bears went from having virtually no dependable receivers to potentially an entire caravan of young studs at the position. Although it is only the first of five preseason games for Chicago, the rookie out of Georgia certainly looked the part. Getting more reps than expected, Wims proved he belonged on the big stage. He demonstrated his reliable hands in-between defenders and showcasing his ability to locate and corral the ball at its highest point. Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, rookie Anthony Miller, and oft-injured Kevin White will all be on the team. If Wims continues his strong play, expect him to earn his way on the Bears 53-man roster.
Bronze Star: Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens
Those waiting for Jackson’s debut in the NFL had to wait a bit longer than expected. He was the third quarterback to take the field for Baltimore as Robert Griffin III and Josh Woodrum preceded him. Jackson had the entire second half to showcase his abilities and it was a mixed bag in his first live NFL action. He did look like a rookie but on the bright side, he definitely illustrated his gifted agility when scrambling outside of the pocket. He took off four times, gaining twenty-four yards. However, he was inaccurate on a handful of passes and mistimed a sideline route which resulted in an interception. Fans did get to see a glimpse of the future as Jackson hit first-round tight end Hayden Hurst for the two’s first professional touchdowns.
Final from Canton: Baltimore Ravens 17, Chicago Bears 16
Comments