Observations from the Ravens' first preseason game
Here are a few odds and ends through the first half of the Ravens’ first preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium tonight.
1. Rookie linebacker Antwan Barnes lined up with the first-string defense on two passing plays. He added a sack of Eagles quarterback Kelly Holcomb on the first play of the second quarter.
2. The Ravens' offense opened with a traditional two-receiver, one-fullback set and Justin Green lined up at fullback instead of fourth-round pick Le’Ron McClain.
3. When the offense went to a single-back formation, running back Willis McGahee carried the ball four times for 20 yards, including a 16-yard gain between left guard Jason Brown and left tackle Jared Gaither.
4. Quarterback Steve McNair played just one series, but it was a brilliant series. Six completions in eight pass attempts for 73 yards and a 6-yard touchdown pass to tight end Quinn Sypniewski. McNair was replaced by Kyle Boller.
5. When Boller came in at quarterback, right guard Chris Chester replaced Mike Flynn at center, first-round pick Ben Grubbs replaced Chester at right guard, and Musa Smith succeeded McGahee at running back.
6. Kicker Matt Stover converted a 50-yard field goal. Meanwhile, Eagles kicker David Akers, who at 32 years of age is seven years younger than Stover, missed a 43-yard attempt wide right. Stover also connected on a 41-yarder in the first half.
7. It appeared the night was over for the Eagles’ Victor Abiamiri after the defensive end from Gilman and Notre Dame injured his shoulder on his second play of the game while tackling Ravens running back Musa Smith. But Abiamiri returned.
8. Smith appeared to require attention from the Ravens’ medical staff toward the end of the second quarter. Eagles return specialist Jeremy Bloom (toe) and defensive tackle LaJuan Ramsey (ankle) went into the locker room for further treatment before halftime.
Comments
Which 'Smith' needed medical attention?
Posted by: Bill | August 13, 2007 9:27 PM
I was truly impressed with the Ravens tonight except Kyle Boller! This kid just doesn't have it. Olson was phenomenal and Troy Smith just needs some time. I've got a very controversial question: Can the Ravens trade Boller right now before it's too late and they get nothing in return. Boller has been in the league for years and still looks like a deer in headlights!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Deejay | August 13, 2007 10:04 PM
Didn't some1 blog the other day about Matt Stover missing field goals in camp!!!
Kicker Matt Stover converted a 50-yard field goal. Meanwhile, Eagles kicker David Akers, who at 32 years of age is seven years younger than Stover, missed a 43-yard attempt wide right. Stover also connected on a 41-yarder in the first half.
Keep up the good work!!
Posted by: Grail | August 14, 2007 2:12 AM
Bill, it was Musa Smith that needed attention. Ed didn't type down "Musa" because he had talked about him the paragraph before.
And Deejay, you NEVER read anything about preseason. Preseason is all for the coaches to let their young players get some early experience, hence why Ogden is allowed to sit out. Trading Kyle Boller now would mean we lose a backup QB with lots of experience and who had some decent drives in his time last year. If McNair got injured, do you REALLY think Olson and Troy Smith would come in and immediately do as well? Vince Young was an abberation, not the rule. The rule is more like David Carr or Akili Smith.
Besides, the Oakland Raiders last year were freaking awesome in preseason and even went 4-0. Didn't really help in the regular season, now did it?
Posted by: Matthew | August 14, 2007 10:05 AM
I agree with the post on Boller... granted he only has one more year left on his contract but even like the commentators mentioned, he wants to be impressive more then ever now because he knows it's now an audition for free agency. Last year he was clearly the second best quarterback they had and like most teams in the NFL that have one starter, they usually have a backup with Zero experience or Zero starts.. as a backup for McNair I'd have a little more faith in Boller at this moment during Regular Season Games then Olsen or Troy.. is he a lasting quarterback? Hells No, not by a longshot.. but once or twice last season when he came in to replace an injured McNair, he looked extremely impressive, making you wonder why he didn't play that way when the job was his. It's good to have two QB's with starts on any team. But how many teams carry more then 3 QB's?? I worry that they'll release Olsen to make room when he looks Extremely promising to the team's future.
Posted by: Steven Menapache | August 14, 2007 1:20 PM
Nice cheap shot by Barnes on the Eagles punter, by the way.
Posted by: Ken in Olney | August 14, 2007 3:21 PM
the ravens looked better than they ever have
Posted by: Anonymous | August 14, 2007 6:28 PM
The QB discussion may be the most important subject of all going into this season. it is reasonable to think that either Smith or Olsen could emerge if given the time, as a legitamate starter. That is the problem, Time. The Ravens are extrordinarily deep at most positions going into this season. Assuming Boller will be gone by next season, consider keeping 4 QB's on the roster this season, hope McNair can play thru '08/'09 and maybe the kids are ready to play in 2 seasons. It's a position worth the investment, this francise has had a horrible time finding the long term answer at QB. Both of these guys are already better looking than say Scott Mitchell or Tony Banks!
BTW, the young LB's looked verry fast, verry good on Monday!!
Posted by: Ulmstead1 | August 14, 2007 11:01 PM
As far as the hit by Barnes goes it was clean. First of all it was to the side not to the back therefore no penalty. I was at the game sitting right near where that play happened. A ref was right there and saw it, no call was made. Also if you look at the replay you see that the punter is in a pursuit mode looking to get into position to make a tackle, therefore he is fair game.
Posted by: Andyman11 in Hagerstown | August 15, 2007 7:18 AM