The Ravens' preseason debut was positive, despite being far from perfect.
Plenty of players took advantage of their opportunities during Baltimore's 24-16 victory over the Indianapolis Colts Thursday night. During the preseason, the game tape matters more than the final score. Coaches are looking for young players to step forward under the lights, to show they can be trusted once the regular season begins.
Here are my thoughts on the Ravens as they return to the practice field Saturday, all in 50 words or less:
- Mike Green didn't get a sack Thursday night but buzzed around the Colts' quarterbacks like a bee. After leading the nation in sacks at Marshall, the rookie outside linebacker stood out during the joint practice with the Colts and in his preseason debut. Those are good signs.
- As Head Coach John Harbaugh said about the pass rush, "It wasn't just Mike." Adisa Isaac and David Ojabo each had a sack. C.J. Ravenell, C.J. Okoye, and Malik Hamm had quarterback hits. Hungry pass rushers behind Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh look ready to eat.
- It's good to see Isaac flashing after his 2024 rookie season that was stunted by injuries. "I'm just putting in the work, and it's finally showing," Isaac said. "It's definitely a load off my back, but it's just the start. I'll keep stacking."
- Ojabo gave Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr credit for scheming up the thunderous sack on Anthony Richardson that forced him to leave the game. The Ravens were second in the NFL in sacks in 2024. If their pass rush becomes even more relentless, that's a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.
- Running back Rasheen Ali had a 69-yard kickoff return, along with 37 yards rushing. Baltimore's running back room is as good as it gets, led by Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, and Keaton Mitchell. But can Ali make the coaching staff consider keeping four running backs on the 53? He's trying.
- Corey Bullock started at center Thursday with Tyler Linderbaum sitting out. A former University of Maryland standout, Bullock was on the Ravens' practice squad in 2024 after being undrafted. Bullock is making a case to make the 53-man roster this year.
- Undrafted rookie inside linebacker Jay Higgins had an interception, a fourth-down tipped pass, and made his physicality felt. He's also a strong special teams player. Higgins quickly showed he can play like a Raven.
- Cooper Rush (16 yards passing) and Devin Leary (43 yards passing) each threw an interception on Thursday. They'll look to be better against the Dallas Cowboys next weekend. Rush will be on familiar turf facing the team he spent seven seasons with.
- Second-year cornerback T.J. Tampa got a ton of playing time Thursday, with six tackles and two pass breakups. "He needs to be out there playing and getting that experience. I thought he handled it well," Harbaugh said. Tampa looks ready to join the cornerback rotation if needed.
- Jalyn Armour-Davis was another corner who enjoyed a strong preseason opener, playing both slot and nickel. Orr says Armour-Davis knows the defense as well as any corner, and he also plays special teams. That versatility adds to his potential value on Sundays.
