2022 Ravens Preseason: Three Takeaways From Game Two
The Ravens defeated the Arizona Cardinals for their 22nd consecutive preseason victory on Sunday. The team won 24 to 17 and as with any preseason, there are key takeaways to come away with.
The Baltimore Ravens continued their exhibition dominance with a 24-17 win over the Cardinals in Arizona. Sunday’s victory makes 22 preseason victories in a row. The team looked sharp on offense for most of the game. A few players made their case for the opening day roster. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley led the charge, completing over 90% of his passes.
Ravens Quarterback Tyler Huntley Looks Sharp In Game Two
Tyler Huntley was tabbed the starting quarterback after head coach John Harbaugh announced starter Lamar Jackson would not play earlier in the week. Huntley continued to show dependability and poise as he delivered a masterful performance in the first half against Arizona. He completed 13/14 passes for 129 yards while connecting with rookie tight end Isaiah Likely for an eight-yard touchdown in the second quarter.
8 catches 100 yards A touchdown IN THE FIRST HALF 😱 Ravens rookie TE Isaiah Likely is the real deal 🔥🔥 (Via @Ravens) pic.twitter.com/lZMO0W5pwS — Pickswise (@Pickswise) August 22, 2022
The young backup has opened plenty of eyes in both of his preseason starts. Huntley has shown precision, tight spirals, and poise in the pocket as well as on the run. It’s safe to say the Ravens are in good hands at the backup quarterback spot. It would not shock me if other teams looking for an upgrade or heir to their veteran made a call to Eric DeCosta. While that is a more far-fetched premise, Huntley is locked in the 53-man roster. Especially with Lamar Jackson allegedly continuing his rejection of contract offers.
Isaiah Likely Showing Star Potential For The Ravens So Far
Rookie fourth-round draft pick Isaiah Likely continues to wow everyone with his on-field play. If you happen to be a Ravens fan in the Baltimore/Metro area, 105.7 The Fan has been reporting nearly every move of Likely’s during camp. For the rest of the league, half of the front offices are scratching their heads trying to figure out what they missed in the athletic rookie pass catcher. Likely helped Tyler Huntley put on an absolute clinic on Sunday night in State Farm Stadium. Likely caught everything thrown his way.
After two preseason games, it’s obvious Likely will be a key piece of the offense. It makes Ravens fans mouths water in anticipation of week one in the Meadowlands. With All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews and second-year wide receiver Rashod Bateman attracting attention, Likely will be one of the players benefitting from mismatch coverage. If you can recall the 2019 season, Lamar was at his best with two tight ends that were pass-catching threats. The offense was more balanced and kept teams honest in defending both the run and pass games. Likely has the chance to really make some noise this year and offer Lamar another reliable target moving forward.
The Ravens Defense Had Peaks and Valleys In Game Two
Last week, the defense was stout in their preseason opener. This week, the unit struggled to generate consistent pressure from the front seven. The defensive line gave up a few runs over ten yards. Week One star, Geno Stone, was radio silent after a great game in Tennessee. Tony Jefferson missed a few open-field tackles.
Among the bright spots, again, was rookie defensive tackle, Travis Jones. The UConn product showed off his strength and athleticism again in an impressive fashion. Jones is making a case to get substantial reps with the Ravens starters. Late in the game, Jones walked into the trainer’s tent under his own power and his status is not known as of this writing, only that it was a potential hyperextension. Jones is expected to miss the preseason finale.
The inside linebacker competition seems to be stalling out as well. Rookies Zacoby McClain, Diego Fagot, and Josh Ross have been relatively even in terms of reps through the first two weeks. Ross had the best game of the three, showing good coverage skills. Hopefully, one of these linebackers can replace Chris Board, who departed for Detroit in the offseason.
The Ravens wrap up the preseason against the Washington Commanders next week before the season opener on September 11 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. To prevent catastrophe, Harbaugh would be smart to sit the young guys that have cemented their spots on the team. Likely and Jones in particular. For more coverage on the Ravens and Cardinals game, tune into Flock The North Podcast Episode Five Presented by Stadiumrant.com, dropping on 8/22 with myself and my cohost Josh.
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