The preseason means little in terms of wins and losses, but it can go a long way toward helping a player make a team. Here are three players that helped their cause and three others that hurt themselves in the Ravens’ 23-15 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday.
HELPED
DERRICK MARTIN: The cornerback followed a strong training camp with a solid game, which included returning a touchdown 22 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Martin, however, did not practice on Monday because of an injured shoulder.
ADAM BERGEN: The tight end had a team-high six catches for 35 yards against the Vikings as he continued to make a strong case to earn a roster spot. Bergen will have to maintain his momentum, as Pro Bowler Todd Heap and second-stringer Daniel Wilcox returned to practice on Monday missing the past few sessions with injuries.
TOM ZBIKOWSKI: The rookie cornerback from Notre Dame had five tackles and a sack. The third-round pick also showed his toughness when he opted to field a punt instead of calling for a fair catch in the fourth quarter. Zbikowski, an accomplished boxer, took what looked to be a knockout blow as soon as he caught the ball, but did not fumble.
HURT
CHAD SLAUGHTER: The free-agent offensive lineman provided good blocking early, but was completely overmatched by defensive end Jared Allen, who bullied by him and crushed quarterback Troy Smith for a sack. His chances of making the team took another blow when Adam Terry returned to practice Monday after missing most of training camp with a sprained ankle.
FRANK WALKER: The free-agent cornerback was supposed to provide depth at a position ravaged by injuries last season. But he had a hard time with man coverage against the Vikings, which included allowing receiver Martin Nance to catch a 32-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter.
ONEIL COUSINS: The rookie offensive tackle has shown he still has a lot to learn about playing in the NFL. The third-round pick left quarterback Kyle Boller exposed as defensive tackle Letroy Guion pounded Boller, causing him to fumble.
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