Ravens Preseason from a Ravens Fan

Firstly, and most importantly…football is back!! How nice does it feel to say that?

With all the veterans, rookies and free agents all reporting back to training camp the attention turns to anticipation, speculation and excitement for the next few weeks.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the takeaways from the Hall of Fame game against the Bears, along with previewing the rest of the Ravens preseason schedule, and which players to keep an eye on.

HOF Game

The Baltimore Ravens made their first appearance in a HOF game and to point out the obvious, all eyes would be on new rookie QB Lamar Jackson after John Harbaugh came out and said that Jackson would receive all of the reps in the 2nd half.

RGIII received his first snap under centre for the Ravens after Chuck Clark Intercepted a tipped pass caused by M Pierce, unfortunately it didn’t last long as a pass to B Perriman on the slant was fumbled and fell right into the hands of a welcoming Bear.

Midway through the first quarter the first TD of the season was scored as The Bears converted on a first and goal. The Ravens soon replied when RG III threw to M Williams to tie the score.

The Ravens offense was soon on the field again as Kamalei Correa, who was on his way to have a fantastic night, recorded their second INT. The Ravens secured a field goal to end the first quarter 7-10.

Pretty much the only highlight I saw in the second quarter was the dominant play from Orlando Brown JR, he was quick of the line, stayed on his feet and finished plays.

It’s still not clear as to where he will play in the O-Line (RG/RT) but I think we will see a lot more good things coming from # 78.

Enter Lamar Jackson…

With the eyes of the world on him, the rookie took the helm for the first time in the 3rd quarter. His first play as a Raven was to scramble for a short gain as the offense went for 3 and out.

DeShon Elliott forced a fumble which was recovered by the Ravens to hand the ball back to the exciting rookie.

Jackson’s running threat was evident as he escaped the oncoming pressure, left the pocket and set off on a scramble for a 10yd gain. His first completion was to J Scott who showed good awareness to gain a few extra yards.

Jackson’s first TD came soon after when a dart was caught by fellow 1st rounder Hayden Hurst. The chemistry between these two will be key for both of their developments and being roommates on the road already will surely help. Let’s hope it’s a connection that the Ravens fans will see plenty of in the future.

Some good plays by both defenses saw a big stop on 4th and 1 by rookie ILB Kenny Young, followed by Jackson’s first INT, which was easily read by Doran Grant.

Correa continued his fantastic night with a strip sack fumble which was recovered by the Ravens. The Bears rounded up the 3rd quarter with a field goal to make it 10-17.

The Bears put together their best drive late in the 4th which ended in a TD, but failed to convert the 2pt conversion. The Ravens held out to end the game 16-17.

All in all, it was a good game that honoured both teams Hall of Famers as the “D’s” managed to record 12 sacks and 6 turnovers. Something Lewis and Urlacher would approved of.

So, with the first game of the 2018 season out of the way what do us “Ravens” fans have to look forward to?

Preseason schedule

Week 1, Los Angeles Rams – This will be a good test for both teams. It will allow the rookies and back-ups to get a few more reps, along with testing themselves against one of the best defensive units and hottest offensive team from last season. Harbaugh has already stated that the joint training camp will be more ‘Bump and release” and hopes that the Rams treat the Ravens like the Rams and vice versa. The main goal is everybody stays healthy.

Week 2, Indianapolis Colts – Another chance for the back-ups, rookies to get extra reps, maybe the inclusion of some 2nd string players also. The thing to look out for here is the potential return of Andrew Luck.

Week 3, Miami Dolphins – The second road game will see the potential return of some of the starters and the new WR core that was put together in the off-season. The chemistry between Flacco and his receiving corps will be the thing to keep an eye on here.

Week 4, Washington Redskins – Baltimore return home to finish of their preparations and both offense and defense should have a more similar look to them. I expect most of the starters and vets to play at some point.

Players to Watch

Lamar Jackson QB – One of the most exciting prospects in recent years will continue his development in the upcoming games, but If Baltimore puts Jackson on the field with Flacco or creates packages for him, he could transform the offense.

John Brown WR – Wide receiver coach Bobby Engram sees Brown as a complete receiver, if he can stay healthy and regain his form, who’s to say he can’t be?

Hayden Hurst TE – The Ravens expect him to contribute immediately after losing Ben Watson in free agency. He will start week 1 and let’s hope his connection with Flacco takes of like it did with a young Denis Pitta.

Orlando Brown JR – Orlando has a chance to take one of the starting jobs on the O-Line. With the long-awaited return of Yanda at RG, Stanley resuming his role at LT and Skura likely to start at C, it will be up to Orlando to continue his good showing and form to maybe take the RT position.

Tavon Young CB – Young missed the entire 2017 season with a torn ACL, but he impressed while handling nickelback duties as a rookie in 2016. The former Temple standout enters camp as the favourite to win the slot cornerback job this year.

Jimmy Smith CB – Smith is the Ravens’ top cornerback and a cornerstone of the secondary. His presence was missed last year, especially in key games. Who knows, maybe the Ravens would have made the playoffs if Smith had been on the field against the Bengals!

Brandon Williams NT – His return to Nose tackle causes ripples amongst the ‘D’ which, if he plays well, will free up the ILB’s, Edge Rushers and Defensive linemen around him.