Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys: Position by Position Grades

Linebackers

Aug 16, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) fumbles the handoff from quarterback Tony Romo (9) while defended by Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw (91) in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Once again, two words (or three): C.J. Mosley. After recording five tackles in week one against the San Francisco 49ers, the first-round pick out of Alabama recorded another five in week two. The rookie is projected to take over the reins of Ray Lewis and he has come in and given a fantastic first impression. Let’s just hope that it carries over to the regular season.

Mosley wasn’t the only linebacker that performed well in this game. The group as a whole put up a great performance. Veterans Terrell Suggs and Daryl Smith both recorded three tackles each (all solo), as they are trying to become the anchors of the defense.

Another noticeable standout was Courtney Upshaw, who forced and recovered a fumble on the first drive of this game. He returned it 26 yards and put up the first defensive touchdown of the preseason for the Ravens.

Second-year middle linebacker Arthur Brown totaled two tackles in this game including one for a loss of yardage.

Grade – A+