Ravens Break Record, Lose Dobbins for Season
Most coaches around the NFL would all say the same thing when asked if they want to win in the preseason. But in reality the main focus for teams is execution and coming away healthy after each contest.
For the Ravens however, this preseason has taken on a different kind of meaning as they inched closer and closer to breaking the longest preseason win streak held by Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers . While the record doesn’t hold much weight in terms of the regular season, Ravens linebacker Tyus Bowser believes any game should matter if you consider yourself a competitor. “If there’s a scoreboard out there, we’re trying to win. Simple as that” Bowser said at last Mondays press conference.
Coming into Saturday night, the final preseason game. The Ravens were tied with Green Bay at 19 heading into their matchup against the Washington Football Team. A win would break a record that unofficially stood for 59 years.
The Ravens left little doubt if the record would finally be broken, dominating the Washington Football Team from start to finish in route to a 37-3 win.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson made his preseason debut. While Jackson didn’t flash his running ability in his one series, he did show of his arm on a deep throw to Deion Cain down the left sideline. Cain beat his defender but the ball fell through his hands. Jackson would finish 3-for-4 for 29 yards, and was also sacked two times.
The Ravens defense once again showed how much depth they have on that side of the ball and just how strong it can be this season. While Washington didn’t play many of its presumed starters, the Ravens held the Washington offense to 173 total yards while only allowing one third down conversion on 11 attempts.
Chris Smith lead the Ravens with five tackles.
The real star of the night was backup quarterback Tyler Huntley. The second year player had his best game of the preseason Saturday night. Throwing for 285 yards and adding four passing touchdowns, including a great throw to James Proche II who made a tough grab over his defender for a 20-yard score. Huntley also flashed his speed throughout the night being able to scramble away from pressure rushing six times for 14 yards. Huntley scored the Ravens first touchdown of the night on a 10-yard run late in the first quarter.
While the Ravens offense was clicking on all cylinders, for many the main focus was the health of running back J.K Dobbins. The second year running back appeared to injure his left knee on a short pass on the Ravens opening offensive drive. Dobbins was tackled low causing his knee to hyperextend backwards. Dobbins would lay on the field clutching his knee for some time before being helped off the field, eventually being carted to the locker room from the sideline.
Nate McCrary got a balk of the carries after Dobbins injury, rushing for 68 yards on 22 attempts. While preseason standout Ty’Son Williams continued to show he deserves a roster spot, adding 42 rushing yard on four carries.
Ravens kicker Jake Verity was responsible for all the kicking duties going 1-for-2 on field goals missing his first attempt from 40 yards but later connecting on a 25-yard field goal five minutes into the second quarter. Verity would also go 4-for-4 on extra points while also showing his ability to punt, averaging 50 yards on two punt attempts with a long of 51.
After so much coverage surrounding the Ravens and this preseason streak, the mood around the team was a somber one as much of the attention was focused on young star running back J.K Dobbins. Dobbins had tests performed on his knee Sunday to determine the severity of his injury and was officially diagnosed with a season ending ACL tear.
Although Dobbins’ injury is a tough blow for an offense looking to have a breakout season. The Ravens have depth at the position in Gus Edwards and Justice Hill. As well second year running back Ty’Son Williams, who has shown this preseason he should make the final 53-man roster. The deadline for final cuts around the NFL occurs at 4 p.m on August 31.
The Ravens open up the regular season on Monday night in two weeks in Las Vegas against the Raiders.
