The Baltimore Ravens recorded their 24th straight preseason victory on Saturday night after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles by a final of 20-19. It was not easy for the Ravens as the offense struggled for most of the first half, while the defense struggled to get off the field on third downs.
Very few starters played on either side, however first-round pick Zay Flowers played a couple series. After a false start on his very first play, Flowers settled in catching his first pass for one yard on the next play. While that would be Flowers only catch of the game he did draw two penalties on his other two targets. Quarterback Josh Johnson got the start over Tyler Huntley, Johnson played the entire first half going 8-12 for 45 yards and one touchdown, a seven-yard throw to Devin Duvernay.
With Johnson getting the start its clear the Ravens have a competition for the backup quarterback position. But while Johnson got the start it was Tyler Huntley who made the most of his opportunity going 8-11 for 88 yards and one touchdown, a perfectly placed pass to Tylan Wallace for the 10-yard score. Huntley also added 13-yards on two carries in one quarter of work.
Justice Hill led the way for all rushers with three carries for 48 yards including a long of 37. Undrafted rookie Keaton Mitchell also looked impressive rushing for 11 yards on six carries and adding one catch for nine-yards, and was also the teams lone kick returner on the night returning three kicks for 73 yards. Mitchell also had a 35-yard touchdown called back on a hold late in the fourth quarter.
The Ravens turned the ball over twice both by players that desperately need a strong preseason to make the final 53-man roster. Wide receiver and punt returner James Proche had a muffed punt in the third quarter and quarterback Anthony Brown threw a pick-six to Eagles rookie Eli Ricks midway through the fourth quarter to bring the Eagles within one.
Linebacker Del’Shawn Philips led the Ravens in tackles with 10, with defensive back Daryl Worley leading the team in sacks with two. Linebackers Malik Harrison and Malik Hamm also added one sack of their own.
After a slow first half the linebacker group picked up their play, with the help of Kristian Welch who recorded three tackles while also adding a crucial forced fumble that led to a Justin Tucker 43-yard field goal. After giving up 13 points in the first half the defense gave up zero in the second.
The Ravens hit the practice field again this week with two joint practices scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday with the Washington Commanders ahead of their preseason matchup on August 21st. The Ravens will look to extend their preseason win streak to a record 25.
Stock Up:
RB Keaton Mitchell
QB Tyler Huntley
DB Daryl Worley
CB Jeremy Lucien
WR Tylan Wallace
WR Sean Ryan
T Daniel Faalele
LB Kristian Welch
Stock Down:
QB Anthony Brown
WR James Proche
DT Kai Caesar
G Ben Cleveland
CB Corey Mayfield Jr.
G Tashawn Manning
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