Mike Preston, columnist
The Ravens dominated the game but it has been hard to get a true measure of this defense because they haven’t faced a starting quarterback in the first two preseason games. On offense, the Ravens should have a good running gam,e but they will need a more wide-open passing game. Opposing teams will eventually challenge and take away the short-passing attack.
Peter Schmuck, columnist
The Ravens love to win preseason games, as coach John Harbaugh is quick to point out, and they certainly had reason to revel in their 15th consecutive preseason victory over the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night. They probably would have enjoyed it even more if future Hall of Fame Aaron Rodgers had not been scratched from the Packers starting lineup at game time with “tightness” in his back. The second start by Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was not quite as efficient as his first, but he completed 6 of 10 passes for 58 yards and carried the ball a couple of times. The offensive highlight was his flashy 18-yard touchdown run that was negated by a penalty, which would have been a disappointment during the regular season but was just what the fans came to see even if it didn’t stand. Fourth-round rookie running back Justice Hill continued to make his case with a solid 10-carry night, gaining 49 yards and scoring a touchdown, while Chris Moore had four catches and caught a 23-yard touchdown pass from backup QB Trace McSorley. It was a strong all-around offensive night and a solid defensive performance, which is about all Harbaugh could ask for in his team’s final appearance at M&T Bank Stadium before the Sept. 8 regular-season opener against the Miami Dolphins.
Jonas Shaffer, staff writer
Not much went wrong in the Raven’ win — until John Harbaugh stepped to the lectern in the postgame news conference. Whatever gains the Ravens made Thursday night will be weighed against slot cornerback Tavon Young’s potential season-ending neck injury. The Ravens should still have a great secondary, but it’s a little less great now.
Childs Walker, staff writer
Quarterback Lamar Jackson delivered another sharp performance, highlighted by a spectacular touchdown run that was wiped out by penalty. Backup quarterback Trace McSorley also furthered his case to make the Ravens 53-man roster with an efficient performance as a run-pass threat. Other offensive standouts for the Ravens included speedy rookie running back Justice Hill, who threw the night’s best juke, and wide receiver Chris Moore, who caught all four of the passes thrown his way. Outside linebacker Matthew Judon led the defense with a sack after missing two practices earlier this week. But the Ravens lost starting weak-side linebacker Chris Board to a concussion, leaving them perilously thin at inside linebacker as the regular season approaches.