BALTIMORE (AP) -Though the Baltimore Ravens took the day off Friday after dominating their preseason opener, it wasn’t a reward for their impressive performance.
It was just a scheduled day off. But scheduled or not, they earned a training camp break with their 23-0 victory against Washington Thursday night.
The Ravens held the ball for nearly 36 minutes, ran for 101 yards and had each of their three quarterbacks pass for at least 100 yards.
The defense was even better. Baltimore limited Washington to 11 first downs, forced two turnovers and didn’t allow a run of more than 7 yards. No wonder defensive coordinator Greg Mattison got a game ball after his debut in place of Rex Ryan.
it on somebody else.”
Despite the outstanding performance by both units, coach John Harbaugh found enough flaws to maintain the original training camp schedule with two-a-day sessions in the August heat resuming on Saturday.
“We have a lot of work to do,” Harbaugh said. “I was a little disappointed in the penalties. All types of penalties. That’s probably the most disappointing thing.”
Harbaugh also found fault with the snap on placement kicks. But nine penalties for 70 yards and a missed field goal could hardly diminish Baltimore’s overall showing.
Quarterback Joe Flacco produced field goals in his only two series, Troy Smith threw for 200 yards and a touchdown, and John Beck contributed to the rout with a 64-yard completion to Jayson Foster.
Ray Rice and Willis McGahee both played well in their bid to become the starting running back. Rice ran for 22 yards in five carries and caught three passes for 38 yards; McGahee caught one pass and had the game’s longest run, a 16-yarder that set up a field goal.
“In training camp, you have to run straight ahead. You have to run a play the way they want you to run it,” McGahee said. “In the games, you just have to go out there and be yourself.”
on, who ended his three-week retirement early in training camp, was cheered loud and long by the sellout crowd during pregame introductions.
“It meant a whole bunch,” Mason said. “It was more than a warm ovation from the fans. It was much needed. I think they welcomed me back. They could have held it against me, that I did retire, but I think they understand and appreciate what I do.”
So does the head coach.
“When came off the field,” Harbaugh said, “I told him, ‘Hey, if I forget to mention it to you, Mase, glad to have you back.”’
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