They say preseason games don’t matter on paper. But anyone who witnessed the Baltimore Ravens’ gritty 24-16 win over the Indianapolis Colts Thursday night at M&T Bank Stadium knows the stories that unfolded meant everything to the players fighting for a roster spot and the fans hungry for football.
Although there were many positives from this preseason win, there were two negatives. One was the season-ending injury for rookie cornerback Bihal Kone. The other was their glaring weaknesses at two positions: guard and backup quarterback.
From jaw-dropping special teams’ plays to a much-needed revival in the Ravens’ ground game, this game gave us reasons to cheer, cringe, and everything in between.
Flash of Brilliance on Special Teams
Let’s talk LaJohntay Wester, rookie wide receiver. With blazing speed and undeniable swagger, Wester electrified the stadium when he took a punt 84 yards to the house in the first quarter. That wasn’t just a touchdown; it was a mission statement.
Wester continued to dazzle throughout the night with crisp route running and a contested 30-yard bomb that had the crowd roaring. If there was a “game ball” moment, this was it. Baltimore just might have found their next big playmaker or, at the very least, a cutthroat weapon on special teams.
The Ground-and-Pound Resurrection
When Keaton Mitchell crossed the pylon on a 22-yard dash early in the first, the Ravens’ running game loudly announced its revival. Fast. Efficient. Ruthlessly effective. Mitchell shredded the Colts with 68 yards on just nine carries. Combine that with Rasheen Ali bulldozing his way to paydirt, and the Ravens piled up over 165 rushing yards as a group.
For a team that’s traditionally prided itself on smashing opponents on the ground, this was a reassuring sight. Opposing defenses, beware. If Mitchell’s speed is any indication, he’s not just healthy, he’s hungry.
The Elephant in the Room? Quarterback Play
Here’s the cold, hard truth, but Ravens fans: it’s hard to swallow. The passing game needs help. Lamar Jackson didn’t take the field, leaving Cooper Rush and Devin Leary to shoulder the load. The result? Five total completions and two interceptions for less than 60 yards. Yikes.
Rush looked hurried; Leary looked inexperienced. Sure, it’s preseason, but a performance like that can’t hang when the real games roll around. Baltimore got lucky that their ferocious run game picked up the slack, but you can bet John Harbaugh has his clipboard full of QB drills for the upcoming week.
Defensive Shutdown with Style
The Ravens’ defense? Dominant when it mattered. Anthony Richardson learned the hard way when David Ojabo sacked him out of the game, forcing the Colts’ star rookie quarterback to the sidelines with a dislocated finger.
Sure, the Colts managed some garbage-time yards, but the Ravens’ defensive pressure was consistent throughout the game. There’s room for improvement, but give credit where it’s due. They won the battle upfront, capping the Colts to limited scoring opportunities until the third quarter. This unit has championship-caliber potential once again.
What Comes Next?
The win is nice, but preseason is about figuring out who will be wearing purple and black when Week 1 comes around. The Cowboys wait in Dallas next week, meaning the Ravens’ quarterbacks have precious little time to course-correct. Count on Harbaugh and his staff to demand cleaner execution in the passing game.
If I were Baltimore, I would see what veteran QB Carson Wentz and veteran guard Brandon Scherff are up to, as both would be upgrades that wouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. Both would be valuable players who have lengthy histories of starting for multiple teams, something that the guards and quarterbacks the Ravens currently lack.
Both Rush and Leary were terrible, along with Daniel Faaelele, specifically at right guard. Andrew Vorhees and Ben Cleveland were good enough at left guard. Rookie Emory Jones Jr., who could’ve competed at right guard, is still injured and not practicing.
For now, enjoy the highs, Ravens fans. Celebrate the flashes of brilliance from players like Wester and Mitchell. Because while it’s just a preseason win, it feels like a preseason win with heart.
