The Ravens' reserves had some anxious moments down the stretch tonight, but for the second straight week they were able to pull out a preseason victory. The 17-13 win over the Panthers held great portent for the Ravens, now 3-0 in the preseason.
Their first-team offense drove repeatedly on the Panthers. Their defense got gouged for a few big plays, but for the most of the night regrouped to keep Carolina out of the end zone.
Steve Hauschka came back from his first-half miss of 27 yards to hit a 38-yarder to start the second half. Whether that's enough to keep Matt Stover at home, only John Harbaugh can say. But Hauschka has made the roster either way. Graham Gano did not kick in tonight's game.
As for the receivers, Derrick Mason, Kelley Washington and Demetrius Williams all played well, although Williams played mostly in the second half. Joe Flacco completed 23 of 28 passes for 247 yards and a touchdown in his most impressive outing. Troy Smith's two series produced a punt and an interception, although the interception was hardly his fault. Edgar Jones mishandled the pass and Carolina wound up with the ball.
John Beck even got to play in the Ravens' final series, but it was a scintillating 48-yard breakaway run by Jalen Parmele that got the team out of a big hole after Carolinia closed to within four points. If Parmele doesn't make the team, he will be on a roster somewhere in Week 1. Matt Lawrence, competing with Parmele for the third running back spot, punched out a tough third-and-1 play at the end to ice the game.
The Ravens conclude the preseason Thursday in Atlanta. They have maxed the preseason and appear ready to go.
