The Baltimore Ravens are on the verge of history. With a victory over the Carolina Panthers later today, the Ravens have a chance to tie the all-time record for consecutive preseason victories.
Baltimore extended their historic preseason victory streak to 18 games with a come-from-behind win over the New Orleans Saints a week ago.
The Ravens trailed for much of the game, even in spite of their six defensive takeaways. But a fourth-quarter rushing score from backup quarterback Tyler Huntley gave them the 17-14 lead and they were able to hold on.
If they defeat the Panthers later today, they’ll tie Vince Lombardi’s 1959-1962 Green Bay Packers for the most consecutive preseason victories.
It’s a record that ultimately doesn’t mean much. But a record is a record.
The Ravens can make NFL history if they win today
The Ravens’ preseason victory streak dates all the way back to the 2016 season. The last time the Ravens lost a preseason game, Lamar Jackson hadn’t even played a snap at Louisville.
Now, Jackson is entering his fourth NFL season with an MVP trophy already in his possession.
While most will take this streak as little more than an entertaining footnote, head coach John Harbaugh believes the team’s preseason success builds momentum for the regular season.
"“It means a lot. Whether it’s a winning streak or just the idea of how you approach the games. We play our guys … We play our starters less than most teams, usually. We just run our installs, so it’s not like we’re game-planning for anybody. We don’t practice against our opponents at all in the preseason ever. We might walk-through. That’s all we would do just to have an idea of what plays they’d run – that’s it.”"
It’s hard to argue with Harbaugh’s sentiment too. The Ravens are 8-2 in the month of September since the start of their historic streak.
Evidently, the team’s preseason success does appear to have a direct impact on their early-season schedule. Or maybe it’s just a coincidence.
Either way, a win is a win. And when the Ravens take the field later today, a win is exactly what they’ll be looking to achieve.
Under Harbaugh, the Ravens have an incredible preseason record of 37-12, undoubtedly aided by their current streak. Harbaugh is known for running one of the most intense training camp regimes in the NFL.
Perhaps that is the secret behind his team’s exhibition success.
The Ravens will look to make history later today. And while it might not mean much in the grand scheme of things, the team is sure to give it their all in search of their 19th consecutive preseason win.