Baltimore Ravens top Eagles: Take home points

Baltimore Ravens vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Take home points

The Baltimore Ravens won their 16th consecutive preseason game, topping the Philadelphia Eagles by a score of 26-15. It was a penalty-packed, lightning-shortened slopfest in many ways, but some things did stand out:

• Marquise “Hollywood” Brown made his debut, and though he didn’t break off any monster plays, he looked electric, shifty and sure-handed.

• Fellow rookie receiver Miles Boykin looked like the super-talented, third-round pick that he is. He turned in a nice 44-yard reception, then followed with a drop on a difficult, but highly-catchable pass from Trace McSorley.

• McSorley, by the way, turned in his best showing, particularly in the first half. He threw three really nice passes into the end zone, resulting in touchdown receptions by Jaleel Scott and Michael Floyd, and another that just eluded Scott’s fingertips. He was also more decisive in what he saw and didn’t appear to lock in on receivers as frequently as the first two games.

• This defense looks to be very good, despite the hand-wringing over the losses from last year’s top-ranked unit. Michael Pierce, Patrick “Peanut” Onwuasor and Chris Wormley have flashed in all three games, and Tim Williams and Tyus Bowser we’re flying off the edge tonight. Earl Thomas arrives to the ball in a hurry, with ill-intent.

• Cyrus Jones had a nice bounce back game tonight, but Stanley Jean-Baptiste and Maurice Canady appeared to struggle (though, admittedly, I am not plugged in to the play call or responsibilities). I think there are going to be some interesting decisions in the defensive backs room soon.

• Justice Hill makes a 1-yard run exciting.

• I like Chuck Clark and DeShon Elliott as young staples on this defense for the next few seasons. They can both play, and having four good safeties gives plenty of options for matching up against specific offensive looks and packages.

• Mark Andrews, my goodness. You looked like John Mackey out there, big fella.

• Kenny Young has special athleticism.

• This receiver competition is going to be interesting. I would personally list Brown, Boykin, Chris Moore and Willie Snead as locks. Seth Roberts, Scott, Floyd and Antoine Wesley are probably fighting for one or two spots.

• Otaro Alaka impresses every game. He has a way of finding the ball and being around the play. I worry he will get claimed if the Ravens try to stash him on the practice squad.