Rival Report: Ravens defeated the Redskins but still suffering losses

by Christina "Tina" Rivers (3Rivers_Writer) on August 13, 2017

The Baltimore Ravens have been deluged with injuries throughout camp and although they were able to hand the Washington Redskins a 23-3 preseason loss in their first game, more losses in personnel are creating an interesting situation for the AFC North rival. We look at the latest player news, analysis and highlights from their opening preseason game.

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Offense still an uncertain force in Baltimore

Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco continues his return to playing form, but the Ravens have no plans to dress him during the preseason. After a re-examination, Flacco’s back appears to be ready for him to practice with the team, but there is no expectation he will start a game until Baltimore opens their regular season on September 10, against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The situation has required backup quarterback Ryan Mallett to step up for a team that is decimated along the offensive line. Against the Redskins, Mallett and center Ryan Jensen necessarily had to help the offense find something positive. Mallett struggled and completed just nine-of-18 passes for 52 yards. Jansen had a few communication issues and stayed defiant in the face of the defensive push up front but overall the Ravens did not show dominance along the line or in helping on rushing plays between the tackles.

Josh Woodrum went four-for-four on passing attempts for 85 yards and a touchdown while Dustin Vaughan was one-for-one for 10 yards and no score. Mallett was unable to connect for a passing touchdown on the night.

Two more down and out

Guard/tackle Alex Lewis aggravated a shoulder injury that has not responded to treatment per the team and will require surgery that prevents him from being able to play out the 2017 season.

Negotiations between the Ravens and former center Jeremy Zuttah have heated up with guard Alex Lewis out for the season

— Mike Preston (@MikePrestonSun) August 11, 2017

Rookie wide receiver/return specialist Tim White (Arizona State) injured a thumb in the game and will undergo surgery as well. Thursday night was the undrafted rookie’s debut at the pro level. His first catch was a circus-like 33-yard touchdown grab. After the game, White said:

That was a surreal feeling, just running out and seeing all the fans and everything that was going on.

Unfortunately, White will have to wait and see what the future holds for him beyond the 2017 season like others who’ve suffered an injury on the Ravens roster.

Since June 1, Ravens have now lost 9 players for the season because of either injuries, retirement or suspension.

— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) August 11, 2017

This doesn't include CB Maurice Canady who could be done for year after knee surgery; Or quarterback Joe Flacco; or WR Breshad Perriman https://t.co/drzpXSljEd

— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) August 11, 2017

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Defense is popping along the line

The Ravens threw their projected starting defense onto the field for a few series against the Redskins and they gave fans a taste of the potential greatness on that side of the ball for this team in 2017.

Up front, Michael Pierce, Brandon Williams and Brent Urban dominated by shutting down Washington’s run game and applying healthy pressure on the opposing quarterbacks. Urban recorded four tackles, a sack, and two forced fumbles before halftime.

Due to the strength of the defensive line and linebackers play, the Ravens secondary received little testing, something the Ravens have to be encouraged by.

Didn't see @UrbanLegend96 last night? 🇨🇦

That's odd… because he was EVERYWHERE. 😤

📰 | https://t.co/57hCdLaOQT pic.twitter.com/8y8w7QLufu

— NFL Canada (@NFLCanada) August 11, 2017

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Undrafted, but no longer untested

Three undrafted rookies, in addition to White, showed up big in their first preseason NFL game. Jaylen Hill was able to grab an interception from the cornerback position. Running back Taquan Mizzell led the Ravens with 51 yards on the ground. Receiver C.J. Board had a 35-yard catch on the night. Their play earned praise from head coach John Harbaugh.