Baltimore vs Washington
Ravens Wrap Up Another Perfect Preseason in 17-15 Win Over Washington
The Baltimore Ravens got a good look at Anthony Brown for quarterback depth and managed to extend their NFL record preseason winning streak to 23 games in a 17-15 victory over the Washington Commanders to conclude the 2022 NFL preseason with a 3-0 record.
With the NFL playing a 17th regular-season game for the second time this year, the preseason is cut down to three games, so this was an opportunity for coach John Harbaugh to see the depth his team has and make decisions on whom to keep on the 53-man roster heading into the regular season.
“There's nothing that stood out just from the sideline that would make a decision for us. Once we see the tape, it might be a decision or two,” Harbaugh said after the game. “You have to decide, not just between guys at a position, but how many guys you keep at one position across to another. Special teams plays a big factor in that. So, we'll just see where we go tomorrow and the next day.”
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After a late Washington touchdown, the Ravens needed a stop on the two-point conversion attempt to preserve the win and the winning streak. It marks the seventh consecutive preseason (there were no preseason games in 2020) where the Ravens ended up undefeated, having lost their last game in August 2015. It’s a curious streak given the lack of emphasis that’s placed on the result off a preseason game, but Harbaugh said it’s a point of pride for those on the field.
"Like I say all the time, 'There's significance and meaning to everything in life.' The guys that were out there playing, I promise you, it's significant to those guys who played in the game and found a way to win the game,” Harbaugh explained.
Offensively, Lamar Jackson was held out after seeing game action last week. Tyler Huntley just made four pass attempts, so the bulk of the work fell at the hands Anthony Brown, and he performed well. Brown was 15-of-19 for 256 yards and a touchdown in the win.
“[Quarterbacks] coach [James] Urban, [assistant quarterbacks] coach Kerry Dixon, [QB] Lamar [Jackson] and 'Snoop' [QB Tyler Huntley] have taught me a lot along the way, as far as picking up the speed of the game and stuff like that. We practice so hard that when we get into these games, it feels a lot slower, so that was a huge part of my development,” Brown said.
Harbaugh was pleased to see a break-out performance from wide receiver DeMarcus Robinson, who joined the Ravens after six years of playing for AFC rival Kansas City.
“That's what we expected. That's what we thought we were getting. To see him go out there and do it in the purple and black uniform is kind of nice to see,” Harbaugh said after Robinson’s four-catch, 135-yard performance that included a 67-yard touchdown reception.
“I guess [I’ve learned] enough [of the playbook] to go out there and make a couple plays,” Robinson said. “I'm not going to say I know everything, so I still have a lot of learning to do. But, I know enough to go out there and make a couple plays for sure. I’m trying to make a roster spot, so I can be here for a long time."
Injuries are always a concern in the preseason, as the Ravens well know when running back J.K. Robbins went out with a season-ending injury in this game a year ago. Defensive tackle Aaron Crawford has a groin injury that Harbaugh said could be serious, and defensive back Kevon Seymour hurt his ankle on the Commanders’ two-point conversion attempt late in the game.
GAME RECAP
The only scoring of the first quarter was a Joey Slye 44-yard field goal for Washington to make it 3-0 after the opening 15 minutes. The second quarter opened with Brown connecting with Robinson for the 67-yard touchdown to put the Ravens ahead 7-3.
The Commanders drove back down the field late in the second, but the Ravens defense stopped them short of the goal line. Washington settled for another field goal to make it 7-6 Baltimore at halftime.
The Ravens were also getting a look at other kickers in this game with Justin Tucker sitting out. Cameron Dicker hit a 38-yard field goal to end Baltimore’s first drive after halftime to extend the lead to 10-6. On their next possession, Brown kept it himself and ran into the end zone on a 6-yard score to make it 17-6 Ravens, which was the score at the end of the third quarter.
The Commanders opened the fourth with a field goal and then scored with 5:31 left but failed to tie the game on a missed two-point conversion. They had the ball one more time but turned it over on downs at midfield. Baltimore then ran the clock out when Washington coach Ron Rivera elected not to use his remaining time outs.
UP NEXT
The Ravens open the regular season on the road at the New York Jets on Sunday, Sept. 11. Kickoff from MetLife Stadium is set for 1 p.m. The Jets are led by second-year quarterback Zach Wilson and were 4-13 a year ago.