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Ravens vs. Colts Preseason: Everything You Need to Know

082018_GamePreview

Basics

Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET, Lucas Oil Stadium
TV: ESPN (Joe Tessitore, Jason Witten, Lisa Salters)/ WBAL Ch. 11 (Baltimore)
Radio: WBAL (1090 AM) & 98Rock (97.9 FM)

Stakes

The Ravens have won 10 straight preseason games. Of course, past years' preseason results don't matter, but there's no doubt that winning generates momentum. Quarterback Joe Flacco talked about how the first-team offense was boosted by its strong showing against the Los Angeles Rams last week. Plus, this game may have a little extra meaning to some players after two feisty days of joint practices against the Colts.

History

Baltimore won the only preseason game between the two teams in 2016, which was also at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Ravens beat the Colts, 23-16, in last year's regular season meeting at M&T Bank Stadium on Dec. 23.

Key Storylines

*More Time for the Starters *The Ravens' first-team offense excelled in its one and only series last week, scoring a touchdown to open the game against the Rams. However, Los Angeles didn't field its defensive starters. This time, both the Ravens and Colts should have their top units on the field for perhaps a quarter as they build up to the regular season. It will be a better gauge.

Matching Up With Andrew Luck
Luck was quite sharp during the two days of joint practices and it will be good to see how Baltimore's secondary does against him in a game situation. The Ravens feasted on turnovers against backup quarterbacks in the first two preseason games, but Luck is in a different class.

Any Lingering Beef?
A large skirmish that broke out Saturday was broken up quickly and practice soon resumed. When they step back onto the field, the players need to show that there won't be any spillover.

Players to Watch

*RB Kenneth Dixon *It will be Dixon's first game action since the end of the 2016 season. He missed all last year because of a knee injury and this season's first two preseason games due to a minor strain. Dixon is looking to prove that he's healthy enough and belongs on the 53-man roster. With a strong showing, he could even show that he could be ready for a large offensive role. Last offseason, it looked like Dixon could have become the starter.

OLB Tyus Bowser
Kamalei Correa broke out in the Hall of Fame game with three sacks and an interception. Tim Williams emerged in the second preseason game with a sack/strip. Now it's Bowser's turn to show what he's got as a pass rusher after he missed last week's game due to a muscle strain. Last year's second-round pick stood out during Organized Team Activities and minicamp but has been quiet in training camp.

Baltimore's Offensive Line
The Ravens' offensive line is still the position group that must be sorted out. Could Pro Bowl guard Marshal Yanda see a little game action as he builds toward the regular season? If Yanda plays, it could be the first chance to compare James Hurst and rookie Orlando Brown Jr. in their right tackle battle. It's also important to see how the Ravens' offensive line depth plays because it's been an issue at times this preseason.

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