BALTIMORE — Some Ravens, most notably the offensive linemen, got an extended look in the 16-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the preseason opener on Friday night at M&T Bank Stadium.
The Ravens’ starting offensive line consisted of left tackle Josh Jones, left guard Andrew Vorhees, center Ben Cleveland, right guard Daniel Faalele, and right tackle Patrick Mekari. The trio of Jones, Vorhees, and Faalele played the most snaps of any player on the team with 30, or 61 percent of the game. All three players are vying for starting jobs, and coach John Harbaugh will have plenty to evaluate. Cleveland played 24 snaps at center.
In addition, rookie second-round pick Roger Rosengarten took Mekari’s spot on the second drive of the game. Rosengarten played 18 snaps, or 37 percent of the game. He played well enough to stay in the competition for the starting job.
“It’s kind of weird going into the first preseason game with a new [defensive coordinator], and new personnel – you don’t really know what you’re getting into – but I thought we did a really good job of preparation in the film room and whatnot,” Rosengarten said. “So, I thought [offensive line] coach Joe [D’Alessandris] did a good job of prepping us; and just leaning on each other for help with certain moves guys are doing. So, yes, it was good.”
Second-year player Owen Wright got the start at running back over rookie fifth-round pick Raasheen Ali. However, Ali played more snaps than Wright, 27 (55 percent) compared to 17 (35 percent). Wright finished with 33 yards on seven carries. Ali carried the ball 10 times for 26 yards.
“Coming into this game, I really wanted to show that I am consistent, and I can make plays on special teams and on offense,” Wright said. “Obviously, there’s areas for improvement. like ‘Trent’ [Trenton Simpson] was saying, ‘you’re a competitor, and you always want to improve on something.’ I [am] going to look back on film and see what I can improve on and be ready for next week.”
None of the young wide receivers played particularly well. Rookiew Dayon Wade and Isaiah Washington led the team with 26 snaps apiece. Wade led the Ravens with four catches for 27 yards, but he also had a drop that cost the team a first down. Washington was targeted twice and had one catch for 6 yards.
Harbaugh was not pleased with the wide receivers’ performance.
“We had some guys not running the right routes all the time,” he said.
Backup quarterbacks Josh Johnson and rookie Devin Leary played 24 snaps apiece. Johnson struggled and was just 4-for-12 for 62 yards and a 51.4 rating. Leary scored the Ravens’ only touchdown with a 1-yard sneak with 5:46 left in the fourth quarter.
“[Leary] made some good decisions,” Harbaugh said. “I thought it was a good start for him.”
