Lamar Jackson's first action of the preseason was brief, but meaningful.
Jackson started the preseason finale and played just one series, leading the Ravens on an 11-play, 65-yard drive before giving way to Tyler Huntley.
Completing three of four passes for 29 yards, Jackson was sacked twice but threw the ball well. He was playing with a starting offensive line unit that included All-Pro left tackle Ronnie Stanley, who saw his first game action since returning from season-ending ankle surgery. Stanley was joined by Ben Powers at left guard, Bradley Bozeman at center, Kevin Zeitler at right guard and Alejandro Villanueva at right tackle.
Jackson said he thought his brief preseason work would be beneficial.
"Just to get my feet wet for the regular season, I've got to feel that contact, that real contact," Jackson said. "(Not) guys practicing, not hitting me. It was great to get my feet wet. Felt pretty good.
"Ronnie's just coming back. He's been moving and grooving in practice, but just to get out there, feel the presence of the line, know what they're going to be doing, it felt pretty good."
Starting the drive at Baltimore's 13-yard line, Jackson connected twice with Mark Andrews for first downs, including a 23-yard completion on a perfectly thrown ball.
Andrews was pleased to get some reps with Jackson playing at game speed before Week 1.
"He's the captain and commander out there," Andrews said. "It's obviously great to be able to play with him. He looked great, but he's ready to turn it up a notch when we get to the regular season. So, just being able to get these live reps right here tonight, it's going to help us out for the rest of the year."
The Ravens drove to Washington's 18-yard line before the drive stalled. Running back J.K. Dobbins went down with a knee injury, Jackson was sacked on third-and-10, and Jake Verity missed a 40-yard field goal attempt to keep the game scoreless.
Baltimore's franchise quarterback spent the rest of the game on the sideline cheering for Huntley and the rest of his teammates. Jackson has thrown the ball well in training camp, and after Saturday's taste of game action, he will now focus on preparing for the regular-season opener Sept. 13 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
It's also a great indication for Stanley, who is clearly ready to go for Week 1 in Las Vegas. Stanley has been ramping up in practice and now has some game reps under his belt.
"It felt great to be back out there on the field again, competing against guys in different uniforms," Stanley said. "It's a great feeling."
