Hauschka keeps leg up in kicking competition

ATLANTA - - Ravens coach John Harbaugh wouldn't declare Steve Hauschka the winner of the kicking battle Thursday night, but the second-year player did his best to make the decision easier.

Hauschka converted both of his field goals in the Ravens' preseason finale, including an impressive 46-yarder late in the fourth quarter.

"I knew my job was probably riding on it," Hauschka said of the 46-yard field goal. "So I felt some pressure on that one."

After coming under scrutiny for missing a 27-yard field goal Saturday, Hauschka bounced back to finish six of seven on field goals for the preseason (85.7 percent). Hauschka's competitor, rookie Graham Gano, didn't attempt a field goal Thursday.

Harbaugh declined to name Hauschka his kicker after the game but said, "Coming out there and making that last kick was good."

Hauschka, the Ravens' kickoff specialist last year, said he was pleased by his effort.

"I think I performed well," he said. "It's up to the coaches now."

Ravens players noticed Hauschka's performance, especially the long kick at the end.

"When you've got a guy who can kick a 46-yard field goal," linebacker Terrell Suggs said, "you can win a lot of football games."

Williams steps up

Demetrius Williams made the most of his first start since the preseason opener.

Williams was key in the Ravens' touchdown drive in the first quarter, making three catches for 38 yards. He converted two third downs (a 6-yard catch and a 13-yarder) and moved the Ravens into the red zone with a 19-yard reception.

But his biggest play was drawing a 26-yard pass interference penalty on cornerback Brent Grimes. He finished the game with four catches for 77 yards.

Williams, who has struggled this preseason, has dropped behind Kelley Washington on the depth chart. The Ravens didn't play their top three receivers (Washington, Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton) in the preseason finale, which moved Williams into the starting lineup.

End zone

Backup cornerback Frank Walker helped the Falcons convert a third down in the second quarter, committing two penalties on one play. Atlanta declined his offside penalty but accepted his second one (illegal hands to the face). … Backup returner Lardarius Webb fumbled a punt in the second quarter. Prescott Burgess recovered it for the Ravens. … Justin Harper showed inconsistent hands again, dropping a deep throw from John Beck in the second quarter and another in the third. … Chris Redman, the Falcons' No. 2 quarterback, didn't play. He was the Ravens' third-round pick in 2000.