Defenses stand out for Ravens, Bears in first preseason game
QBs Griffin, Jackson throw interceptions for Baltimore.
The goals were CANTON — to let the backups play and learn, and to be inspired. Missions accomplished. The Ravens and Bears honored their great linebackers Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher with some defense to make them proud in the Hall of Fame game that opened the NFL’s preseason Thursday night. Baltimore held on 17-16.
“Ray is the greatest linebacker of our time,” said 2016 Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson, who quarterbacked the second half for the Ravens and threw a TD pass and an interception. “That was a big thrill and exciting stuff.”
Oh, there was a little spark of offense, some provided by Baltimore’s first-round draft pick. Jackson’s 7-yard touchdown pass to fellow firstrounder Hayden Hurst came after the Ravens’ defense recovered a fumble.
Chicago put together its best drive in the final minutes and journeyman Tyler Bray connected with Tanner Gentry for a 10-yard score to cap a 92-yard march. But the 2-point conversion pass fell incomplete.
Otherwise, D was the letter of the day: there were six turnovers and 12 sacks, eight by the Bears.
“To represent Ray in this game to our guys meant even more,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said.
“It was a special moment for our organization,” said new Bears coach Matt Nagy.
The teams exchanged tipped interceptions on the first two possessions.
Chicago moved swiftly downfield only to have Chase Daniel’s pass to Josh Bellamy deflected to safety Chuck Clark at the Baltimore 6. He returned it 15 yards, then the Ravens replicated the turnover.
Robert Griffin III, attempting a comeback after sitting out 2017, had his pinpoint throw go off the hands of receiver Breshad Perriman, then off rookie cornerback Michael Joseph. DeAndre Houston-Carson dived to make the pick at the Ravens’ 34.
The Bears soon converted when Michael Burton caught a 4-yard scoring pass from Daniel.
Baltimore tied it, sparked by two big gainers by undrafted rookie running back Gus Edwards. Griffin found Maxx Williams for a 4-yard score.
“It felt great,” Griffin said. “I can’t tell you how grateful I am to play the game again.”
The first application of the NFL’s enhanced enforcement of penalties for players lowering their helmet to make a tackle occurred early. Ravens linebacker Patrick Onwuasor was flagged for his hit on Benny Cunningham, earning a 15-yard penalty that helped set up Chicago’s first touchdown.
Kamalei Correa got nailed for the same violation in the third quarter, but the Ravens linebacker also had three sacks and forced a fumble.