Ravens: 4 things we learned from the team’s preseason opener

2. The Ravens’ defense is key to victory

The Ravens’ defensive performance against the New Orleans Saints on Saturday night can be summed up in three words, “bend, don’t break.”

New Orleans outgained Baltimore 366-308 on the day and especially dominated the Ravens in the passing game, 272-160. Running back Tony Jones contributed with 82 yards rushing.

It should be noted, however, that 230 of the Saints’ total yards came in the first half, with Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill in charge of the offense.

The Ravens’ defense finally clamped down after halftime, shutting out the Saints the rest of the way and giving the struggling offense enough time to get their act together and score the winning touchdown.

Ultimately, the Saints shot themselves in the foot by committing six turnovers, including three in the first quarter.

Safety Geno Stone significantly boosted his chances at landing a roster spot by grabbing two interceptions, while Shaun Wade made the game-clinching pick late in the fourth quarter.

Despite taking few snaps, linebacker Patrick Queen also made a splash, generating the Ravens’ only sack of the game.