There is actually an upside to having most of the starters, and oftentimes many of the second-string players, sit out NFL preseason games these days.
And it’s beyond the obvious benefit- ensuring your key players are limited to injury risks.
Preseason games provide third and fourth-stringers a beautiful opportunity to make big plays and have monumental moments.
For an example, see this sack by Ravens cornerback Damarion Williams on Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett.
.@FTK2662 SACK❗
Tune in now on WMAR! pic.twitter.com/e6FuRcBR6B
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 10, 2024
Williams is currently behind Arthur Maulet and Marlon Humphrey on the depth chart.
He may not get much playing time this season, and when he does, how likely is it that defensive coordinator Zach Orr will call a CB Blitz for him?
Pickett was the starter at quarterback for the Eagles, who naturally kept Jalen Hurts out of the game.
The two teams went into the halftime intermission knotted up at 6.
