Every year, the 3rd preseason game is deemed the most important because the starters play an extended amount of time. With that being the case, the Baltimore Ravens have a lot to be pleased about with their 48-17 rout of the Jacksonville Jaguars; particularly with the showing of Flacco and the offense in the sugar-huddle.
The Good:
1) Flacco started the Ravens 1st possession with a strike to Bajema for 13 yards. That was followed with an 18 yard completion to Boldin on the outside. Aided by a nice block from Leach, Goda provided a 7 yard gain.
2) I was very pleased to see McKinnie back at LT.
3) On the Jaguars second 3rd down of their initial drive, Jimmy Smith made a nice play in pass coverage to deny a Jacksonville 1st down.
4) The 2nd Ravens series started with Leach having his 2nd positive block, and opening a large hole for Rice who scampered for 28 yards. Flacco would then find T. Smith for 17 yards, and Rice for 13 more; reaching the Jags 5 yard line.
5) Ngata broke through the Jags line, sacking Gabbert for a 9 yard loss to begin Jacksonville’s 2nd offensive series.
6) Pollard delivered an excellent shot on 3rd and 10, timing his hit perfectly.
7) Ismail pointed out a nice block form Jones. With a 51 yard KR, Jones would give the Ravens strong field position on their last drive of the 1st half.
8) Flacco had a beautiful 17 yard completion to Rainey one 3rd and 3 from the Jaguars 29 yard line. Outstanding touch shown.
9) The Ravens found the end zone for the first time, with Flacco drawing the defense on play-action, and finding Boldin in the back of the end zone. Baltimore’s drive started from their own 15 yard line with 2:23 left in the 1st Quarter, and ended with the TD with 12:29 left in the 2nd. Flacco was 8 of 9 for 87 yards on the drive.
10) The Jags converted their initial 3rd down tonight, and then the Baltimore defense tightened-up, stopping Jacksonville on their next 4 such plays.
11) Showing the cannon, Flacco went across the field and find Jones for an 11 yard gain on Baltimore’s 2nd series of the 2nd Quarter. Later on that drive, Flacco would find Doss a couple of times, including another Ravens 1st down.
12) Tucker’s 2nd FG was good from 53 yards out, and had plenty of leg left.
13) Webb showed a lot of aggression with his open field tackling, making plays all over the field.
14) Doss’s 3rd catch of the game came on the Ravens 1st drive of the 2nd half, coming up with his 2nd 1st down reception of the game.
15) With Flacco again using play-action, the Baltimore QB found Smith for a 32 yard gain to the Jaguars 20 yard line in the 3rd. Smith came up with a bunch of Yards After the Catch, as he made the defender miss. Later on that drive Smith picked up another first, using his speed to get outside.
16) Baltimore’s 2nd TD of the night came on Leach’s 4th reception of the night. This one from 8 yards out. Was great seeing the Ravens 1st stringers come back out to start the 2nd half, and immediately put together another positive drive.
17) McPhee got his fingers on the ball, blocking Scobee’s 3rd Quarter FG attempt.
18) Flacco was 27 of 36 for 266 yards, 2 TD’s, and 1 harmless INT. T. Smith had 103 yards receiving.
19) Taylor and Williams connected on a 35 yard gain. Williams collected a bunch of yards after the catch. Several plays later they would connect for a TD, Williams showing some strength to make the play in the end zone. In the 4th Quarter, Taylor led another good looking drive, including passes to Payne and Thompson for 20 and 18 yards respectfully. Ultimately Taylor would score on his own, with a 5 yard run.
19a) In addition to his reception, Thompson had a 63 yard KR in the 4th.
20) Like what we have seen from Pierce the last two weeks. He looks ready to contribute to the offense starting in Week 1.
21) Upshaw had a 4th Quarter sack.
22) Berry was productive last week, and made plays in the 4th Quarter tonight when given the opportunity.
23) Seemingly as an answer to Berry’s success, Rainey came back into the game, made a LB miss, and went 48 yards for the score.
24) DeAngelo Tyson had a 4th Quarter sack.
25) Chykie Brown had a good play in pass coverage late in the 4th.
26) Painter and Streeter entered in the games last minutes, and combined on 2 receptions, including a 33 yard catch and run for the Ravens last TD of the night.
The Bad:
1) The Ravens had 3rd and 1 on the Jaguars 40 yard line, when Boldin was charged with a false start.
2) The Ravens missed an opportunity to put points on the board during their first series, when Flacco missed Smith down the right sideline.
3) On the Jaguars first 3rd down tonight (8 yards to go), Gabbert found Blackmon for 16 yards and a 1st down.
4) Baltimore’s 2nd offensive series ended with the Ravens settling for a FG, after reaching the Jaguars 5 yard line. Flacco was sacked for an 8 yard loss on 3rd and Goal.
5) Outside of Ngata’s jailhouse break, there was again very little pass rush from the Ravens starters.
6) T. Smith should have come down with a significant gain, with the Ravens facing 3rd and 9 on their 3rd series.
7) Michael Oher was charged with a false-start early in the 2nd.
8) Osemele was called for offensive holding from the LG position.
9) Lewis badly missed a tackle, allowing Jennings to pick up 4 yards, and reach the Ravens 7 yard line.
10) Starting their last drive of the 1st half from their 42 yard line with 48 seconds remaining, Baltimore was unable to get into scoring position.
11) For the 3rd time the preseason, a big physical opposing WR (this week J. Blackmon) made plays against the Ravens Secondary.
12) Taylor completed the majority of his attempts tonight, but his incomplete passes were floated, including the Dennard interception that went back to the house.
The Ugly:
1) Kruger went inside, and was beat badly to the outside by Jacksonville RB Rashad Jennings for a 15 yard gain on the Jags 3rd series.
1a) Kruger was later charged with holding, giving the Jaguars a 1st down from the Ravens 11 yard line.
2) On the Kickoff after the Ravens initial FG, Jacksonville’s Thomas returned the ball to the Jaguars 30 yard line, before being forced out of bounds from Tucker. There was also poor kickoff coverage to start the 3rd Quarter, and again after the Ravens 2nd TD.
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.