The Baltimore Ravens closed out the 2021 preseason on Saturday with a win over the Washington Football Team.
The 37-3 victory gave the Ravens their 20th consecutive preseason victory — breaking an NFL record previously held by Vince Lombardi’s 1959-1962 Green Bay Packers.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson took the field for the first time this preseason and looked good with the snaps he was given. In his only series, the former league MVP went 3-of-4 for 29 yards.
What overshadowed Jackson’s appearance was a potentially serious knee injury running back J.K. Dobbins sustained in the Ravens’ first offensive possession of the night.
After catching a screen pass by Jackson, Dobbins went down on a two-yard gain after being tackled by defenders. He would be carted off the field ending his night.
Quarterback Tyler Huntley found himself coming in during Baltimore’s second offensive possession. Huntley would stay in at quarterback for the remainder of the game.
Huntley went 24-33 on 285 passing yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for a 10-yard score.
https://twitter.com/Ravens/status/1431767658161115138
Huntley may have won the competition to back up Lamar Jackson after his performance this preseason.
The Ravens approach every game the same — even preseason games
Preseason games are ones that fans don’t necessarily get too invested in and stats tend to be like “empty calories.” Despite that, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh tackles every game the same — even exhibition matchups.
"“From a comparison standpoint, it’s not even a conversation. We’ve never approached any of these games any differently than we ever have. What’s the best way to say it? It means something to the people that over the years have been a part of it. There are other aspects of it that are valuable, but we’ll approach it the same way we always do and let the chips fly.”"
During Harbaugh’s tenure as head coach (2008-2021), the Ravens are 39-12 (.764) in preseason games. The team’s overall record in exhibition matchups is 66-32 (.673) which dates back to 1996.
The Ravens’ last preseason loss was Sep. 3, 2015. Nearly six years later, the team has found themselves in the record books and the front office is regarded as one of the best in football.
The Ravens will have some tough choices to make over the next few days as the team will need to cut their roster down to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
With a plethora of breakout talent the Ravens had on the squad this offseason, many players will move to new teams. The front office is good about finding and developing talent. Which is the main reason why Baltimore now owns the record for most consecutive preseason wins.
The Ravens will travel to Las Vegas two weeks from Monday to open their season in a primetime matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.