Flacco, Jackson on target at QB
All spring and summer, we’ve watched a healthy Flacco move without inhibition and flick beautiful spirals to hisnewreceivers.
But after three subpar seasons for the Ravens’ franchise quarterback, would any of it transfer to an actual game?
A full-on test this wasn’t, not with the Los AngelesRamsplaying reserves instead of their many defensive superstars. But Flacco looked just as good leading the Ravens to an opening score as he has in practice.
He completed 5 of 7 passes for 71 yards and even ran for 3 yards on the scoring drive. The offensive line, missing only starting right guard MarshalYanda, gavehimample time to throw. And he appeared confident looking downfield for new targets such as wide receiver Michael Crabtree and rookie tight endHaydenHurst.
The Ravens’ playoff hopes for 2018 are inextricably linked with Flacco’s hopes for reversinghiscareertrajectoryinhis11thseason.
His optimism is obvious in both interviews and in the grins he’s flashing onthe sideline.
“Listen, our guys are really showing up,” he said.“We’ve had a great camp, and itwas good to come out here and see it carry over into a game.”
Lamar Jackson took a desired step forward in his second game but still has a longway to go as anNFLpasser.
Skuratoaswingrole, probablytheidealusefor either.
“You can’t ignore the fact he has ability,” Flacco said. “He’s so big, he just swallows peopleup.”
As a second-generation Raven, Brown is already a fan favorite beyond the level you’d expect for a rookie right tackle.
His development could be one of the most important stories of the preseason.
Afteranunproductiverookieseason, Tim Williams has reasserted himself as a pass-rush prospect.
In the thirdquarter, Williamscamescreaming from the outside to maul Rams quarterbackBrandonAllenandforceafumblethat set upaRavens field goal.
It was the highlight play of another outstanding performance from the secondyear linebacker, whohas revived hopes that he could be a significant young pass rusher for a team that needs one.
Last year, Williams excited theRavens early in training camp with his speed off the edge. Buthebecameanonfactoroncetherealgames began, finishing with six tackles in eight games andno sacks.
It’s too early to say he’s turned the corner, given that he’s played against second- and third-string blockers. ButWilliams has been a consistent pass-rushing force in both preseasongamesandremindedcoacheswhythey were so intrigued with him coming out of Alabama.
The Ravens need a rush specialist to supplementTerrellSuggsinpassingsituations, and there’s not an obvious better candidate on the roster than Williams, a third-round draft pick in2017.
Breshad Perriman showed badly needed signs of life.