8/20/15

Now that’s the way to start the preseason, with a last minute touchdown against the Saints, winning 27 to 30. The starting offense and defense both looked great. The offense scored points on the first four drives with a great balance of running and passing the ball. Joe looked well… like Joe, comfortable and in control. The O line looked healthy and strong. The running backs ran well and were a big part of the passing game. Our starting defense started the game with (2) three and outs but remember Drew Brees did not play. Still, it was a great start. While this is just one game in the preseason, it’s hard not to get excited.

We got answers to some of the questions we had posted last week. Crockett Gillmore looked very comfortable on the field. Rookies Maxx Williams and Nick Boyle were strong against the Saints defense. I think we can cross Tight End off the list of big questions. But remember, it’s only preseason and it was against the Saints defense which wasn’t very good last year.

Steve Smith and a bunch of wide receivers played well with no real big mistakes. No one stood out so the battles for the second and third spots are still up for grabs.

Neither Lardarius Webb nor Jimmy Smith played at corner, which still leaves the secondary as a big question. Drew Brees did not play for the Saints, so there was not much of a test for our secondary but that will change this week against the Eagles. We still have questions about the secondary. Tune in next week to see who plays.

Another big question is who will return kicks and punts. Asa Jackson injured his leg but did not play well before the injury. Pay attention, this week, to who is given this assignment.

Ravens vs. Eagles

Keep Brandon Williams away from the cheese steaks!!! We are practicing Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in Philly with a joint practice for the Ravens and Eagles. The second preseason game will be played in Philadelphia on Saturday at 7:00 PM.

The Ravens will be part of Chip Kelly’s continuing experiment called the Eagles game plan. Chip Kelly makes news just about every day with who he cuts from the team and who he adds to the team like signing DeMarco Murray away from the Cowboys and bringing in Sam Bradford in as QB after sitting out last year with a knee injury. This week the Eagles will be a better test for both our offense and defense. They have a fast pace offense that will test our stamina and a very good run-stopping defense that will tell us how good our offensive line is. The Eagles could be good this year or they could be a total flop. What will Chip Kelly do next? Stay tuned and enjoy the ride

The Ravens starters will get a little more playing time this week but preseason week 2 is still more about the bubble guys. So take note who starts, there may be a surprise or two.

Remember we are rooting for no injuries and enjoy the game.

We are venturing into Eagles Country and will be watching the game at Yesterday’s in Marmora, NJ. Yes, we’ll have our Purple on!

That’s just the view from 151

GO RAVENS!!!