Recap: Ravens Extend Preseason Win Streak, Defense Dominates Panthers
The Ravens historic preseason win streak reaches 19 after defeating the Carolina Panthers on Saturday night 20-3.
The Ravens defense had another strong outing in their second preseason game surrendering only 189 yards total on the night. Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey did not play, as he recovers from a groin injury suffered early last week. But even with Humphrey’s absence the Ravens secondary held strong giving up a mere 156 yards through the air.
Lamar Jackson was also inactive for the second straight game. Giving the start to Tyler Huntley. Huntley would struggle early throwing an interception on his first pass attempt on the Ravens opening offensive possession.
With good field position Sam Darnold and the Panthers drove down to the Ravens one yard line. Panthers rookie running back Chuba Hubbard was stopped for no gain on third down by Patrick Queen. The Panthers went for it on fourth down and once again Hubbard was denied the end zone, this time by Ravens safety DeShon Elliott.
The Panthers again would get in position to score on their next possession after a six play 31-yard drive. Ravens safety Chuck Clark forced a fumble on third down from the Ravens 21-yard line. The fumble would be recovered by the Panthers allowing them to set up a 37-yard field goal attempt by Panthers kicker Joey Slye on fourth down. Slye’s attempt would miss wide right.
Elliott was all over the field for the Ravens defense finishing with four tackles including one for a sack. Outside linebacker Chris Smith would also add a sack to go along with his four tackles.
The Ravens would surrender the first points of the game halfway through the second quarter on a 41-yard field goal by Joey Slye, that would be the only points the Ravens defense would give up all night.
Huntley would start the game with four straight incompletions before completing his first pass, a 10-yard pass to tight end Josh Oliver. Huntley would complete three more passes on the drive as the Ravens moved the ball to the Carolina 31-yard line late in the first quarter. However, the drive ended after a Josh Oliver fumble and Carolina recovery.
Oliver would not let his mistake however summarize his night. The third year tight end would end the night leading the Ravens in receiving with 50-yards on seven catches. Oliver was most impressive finding the soft spots in the defense and made several catches on third down to help continue drives.
Huntley and the Ravens would score there first points of the game on a 29-yard field goal by Justin Tucker as time expired in the first half.
The Ravens would find the end zone for the first time on their second possession of the second half. Ravens rookie receiver Tylan Wallace made his first two catches of the preseason including a 25-yard catch in the third quarter, after failing to record a single reception last week versus the Saints. The catch would help set up a two yard run by rookie Nate McCrary two plays later giving the Ravens a 10-3 lead.
After a quick three and out by the Panthers the Ravens got the ball at their own 26 yard line. A 14 play 48-yard drive would end on a Jake Verity 44-yard field goal to make the score 13-3 early in the fourth quarter. The final score of the night came on a spectacular 20 yard touchdown run by Tay’Son Williams. With nine minutes remaining in the final quarter, Williams broke several tackles and after stumbling, had the wherewithal to reach the ball over the goal line for the touchdown.
Williams made another strong case to make the Ravens 53-man roster. After a good outing against the Saints last Saturday, Williams again led all running backs in rushing. Williams finished with 47-yards on 10 carries.
Even with the slow start Huntley still managed to finish the night strong completing 24 passes on 34 attempts for 187-yards, while also adding 23-yards rushing on 7 carries. With McSorley not scheduled to return for the remainder of the preseason, Huntley is the obvious favorite to back up Lamar Jackson come week one.
The Ravens wrap up the preseason next week against the Washington Football Team.
