Did someone hit the fast forward button this summer? It sure feels that way. It is hard to believe that the Baltimore Ravens played their first preseason game on Thursday night, crushing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 44-16.
While my love/hate with preseason football continues, I learned that some people like preseason games. Some of my Twitter followers replied to my Tweets saying they like watching the rookies and other players hoping to make the final cut. I never looked at it that way so I thank them for opening my eyes to another point of view.
I only planned to watch the first quarter, but got sucked in and stuck around for the first three. I didn’t realize how much I missed football until the game started. I’m glad I watched, I liked seeing the baby birds vying for roster spots, some made big plays!
Honestly I had no idea of what to expect. Except for a few players, the defensive front line was stacked with new players acquired in the off season. While the “new” starting defense didn’t stay in the game long, they looked pretty impressive.
Of course nothing is perfect, there is a lot of room for improvement; the Ravens had a slow and shaky start, but eventually got their act together and showed they have the potential to do some damage this season.
On the flip side, the starting offense failed to make a lasting impression, they have issues to deal with and questions to answer. Flacco threw an interception in the Ravens’ first possession and the running game couldn’t seem to get off the ground.
Newly acquired tight end Visanthe Shiancoe dropped two passes, while wide receiver Jacoby Jones dropped one.
Thankfully some players made a good impression and will be on head coach John Harbaugh’s radar. Wide receiver LaQuan Williams had two fumble recoveries for the punt team, one returned for a touchdown.
Preseason games are like a dress rehearsal for the regular season and with three preseason games left before the curtain call, the Ravens don’t have much time to find answers to their lingering questions.
I’m not sweating it; I have complete faith that they will find the answers. It may be a bumpy road to September 5, but they will figure it out…
Zennie Abraham