The Ravens kicked off their preseason slate with a 24-16 win over the Indianapolis Colts at M&T Bank Stadium.
The vast majority of the Ravens' starters sat except for three offensive linemen (Roger Rosengarten, Daniel Faalele, and Andrew Vorhees), inside linebacker Trenton Simpson, and first-round safety Malaki Starks.
Here's who stood out:
WR LaJohntay Wester
Wester may have won the Ravens' punt returner job in his first game. The rookie sixth-round scored an 87-yard return for a touchdown on his second time ever touching the ball in an NFL game. Showing his shiftiness and speed, he also had an impressive 17-yard return when he charged forward to field a short punt and danced through the Colts' first line. Wester also led the Ravens with two catches for 41 yards, including a 30-yard grab that was the longest reception for either team.
RB Keaton Mitchell
Mitchell has been one of the Ravens' most impressive practice players this offseason, showing the same (or better) speed than he had during his explosive rookie season. On Thursday night, he showed he's ready to make game-breaking plays, too. Mitchell ripped off a 22-yard touchdown run and also ran by defenders for an earlier 23-yard gallop. Mitchell looks like he's ready for an offensive role behind Derrick Henry and in tandem with Justice Hill.
CB Jalyn Armour-Davis
The fourth-year corner was viewed as a bubble player heading into the night, but he looks to be in strong position after it. Armour-Davis nearly had an interception on the Colts' first series, then later notched a third-down pass breakup, staying glued to the receiver on a deep comeback. Armour-Davis is plenty talented, but health has been the issue. The injury to rookie cornerback Bilhal Kone also makes Armour-Davis a more important depth piece.
Young EDGE Rushers
David Ojabo drilled Anthony Richardson Sr. when he came unblocked off the edge for a sack, knocking the Colts quarterback out of the game with an injured finger. Second-year outside linebacker Adisa Isaac also notched a sack, meeting rookie Mike Green in the backfield. Green looked strong in his debut.
K Tyler Loop
Loop has made 93.4% of his field goal attempts in training camp practices, but he missed his first field goal attempt in an NFL game, hooking it wide left from 46 yards out. He rebounded in the fourth quarter, however, to drill a 52-yard field goal with plenty of room to spare, earning "Loooop" cheers from fans at M&T Bank Stadium. It's good to see Loop shake of a miss and come back to connect. He also made all three of his extra points.
LB Jay Higgins IV
The undrafted inside linebacker got an interception, in part thanks to inside pressure by defensive tackle C.J. Ravenell. Earlier on the same series, Higgins destroyed a Colts receiver who tried to spin out of a tackle for extra yardage.
Special teams units
The Ravens' return units were strong, highlighted by Wester's 87-yard touchdown. Rasheen Ali also nearly found the end zone, scampering for a 69-yard kick return. The coverage units were not as stout, giving up an average of 36 and 31-yard kickoff returns, one of which forcing Loop to make a tackle. Punter Jordan Stout had an up-and-down night.
QBs Cooper Rush and Devin Leary
Rush's first pass as a Raven was intercepted when he left one up for grabs on a long throw intended for Dayton Wade. He finished 2-of-4 for 16 yards. Leary moved the Ravens into scoring territory on his first drive under center but was picked off trying to zip an underneath pass to Wade. Leary finished 3-for-12 for 43 yards.
