The Ravens' winning ways in the preseason continued Saturday night, with Cooper Rush and Tyler Loop leading the way.
Rush threw for 198 yards and a touchdown in the first half, while Loop booted five field goals to propel Baltimore to a 31-13 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
It was a happy return to Texas for Rush, who spent seven seasons with the Cowboys, and for Loop, who grew up less than an hour ride from AT&T Stadium.
Here are my thoughts on the Ravens (2-0) after their second straight preseason win:
Rush is finding a comfort zone with the Ravens.
Rush is a proven NFL backup who has a 9-5 record as a starter over a seven-year career.
In this game, he played like the quarterback Baltimore expected when he was signed to a reported two-year contract worth up to $12.2 million, including $4.2 million guaranteed. Baltimore wouldn't have made that move without believing in Rush's ability to handle the job.
It's been an adjustment for Rush, learning a new offense and joining a team with Super Bowl aspirations and a two-time MVP quarterback in Lamar Jackson. However, neither the Ravens nor Rush panicked, even after the preseason opener when Baltimore produced just 59 passing yards against the Indianapolis Colts.
Rush had a strong week of practice after the Colts game, and it carried over against the Cowboys. He made strong throws even when under duress and moved calmly in the pocket to buy more time. On his touchdown pass to Keith Kirkwood on fourth-and-goal, Rush rolled to his right and calmly held the ball while he surveyed the end zone. That gave him time to loft a high, catchable pass to Kirkwood, who made a leaping grab.
That was a savvy play by an experienced quarterback, and this game helped him find his rhythm. Rush's performance was more impressive than his stat line (20 for 30, 198 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions). The two turnovers weren't entirely on Rush. LaJohntay Wester looked like he was late locating a pass that Andrew Booth returned for a pick-six. On Rush's second interception, the ball slipped through running back Rasheen Ali's hands.
Neither of those miscues flustered Rush, as he played the entire first half before giving way to Devin Leary. Once the regular season begins. Jackson will be at the helm, but Rush will be at the ready.
Tyler Loop's night was almost perfect.
This was a night that Loop won't forget, going 5-for-6 on field goal attempts in front of family and friends near his hometown.
Fans showed their support while wearing Loop jerseys and holding "LOOP! THERE IT IS" signs aloft.
Loop's makes were from 29, 51, 42, 36, and 53 yards. He missed from 50 yards. The 53-yarder was the most impressive boot, coming just minutes after his miss, but the consistency Loop showed was even better.
The Ravens love Loop's leg strength, but they want him to make the layups. He's doing that, connecting on six of eight attempts in two preseason games. The pressure will ramp up for the rookie kicker during the regular season, but the sixth-round pick looks confident enough to handle that. After the game, Head Coach John Harbaugh officially declared him as the Ravens' kicker.
The backup offensive line picture still looks unsettled.
Baltimore went with the same starting offensive line it used in preseason Week 1: left tackle Joseph Noteboom, left guard Andrew Vorhees, center Corey Bullock, right guard Daniel Faalele, and right tackle Roger Rosengarten.
Left tackle Ronnie Stanley and center Tyler Linderbaum didn't play, but they'll replace Noteboom and Bullock in the starting lineup for Week 1. But it remains to be seen who will back up the starting five.
Ben Cleveland (RG) and Carson Vinson (LT) got reps in the first half. Nick Samac (C) and Garrett Dellinger (LG) are among those competing for roster spots.
The coaching staff will examine the film closely, but it did not appear that any of the backup offensive linemen had performances that separated them from the pack.
Baltimore's running back room is deep as the ocean.
With Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, and Keaton Mitchell (hamstring) all getting the night off, Rasheen Ali (19 carries, 62 yards) and D'Ernest Johnson (11 carries, 61 yards, one touchdown) picked up the slack.
Harbaugh said the intention as of now is to keep four running backs on the 53-man roster. Ali has made a strong case, but Johnson and recently signed Myles Gaskin ran well, too.
Extra Points:
- Second-year outside linebacker Adisa Isaac suffered a dislocated elbow that will keep him out for a few weeks at least, Harbaugh announced. It's a tough injury for Isaac, who has made strides this offseason after an injury-plagued rookie season. It also puts David Ojabo more squarely on the 53-man roster.
- Undrafted rookie cornerback Keyon Martin had a big first quarter, getting the Ravens on the scoreboard first by sacking Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton in the end zone for a safety. Martin came untouched on a blitz, and he didn't miss. He also had a tackle for loss on the previous play.
- Second-year wide receiver Devontez Walker (six catches, 61 yards) was Rush's go-to guy. Can the Ravens find a way to get Walker involved in an offense loaded with weapons?
- Leary (5 for 10, 53 yards) had a stronger outing than Week 1 of the preseason and engineered a 53-yard touchdown drive.
- Undrafted rookie defensive back Reuben Lowery had an interception in the second quarter and continued his push to make the roster. The pick was an ill-advised throw by Milton, but Lowery read it quickly and was all over it.
- Undrafted rookie inside linebacker Jay Higgins IV led the Ravens with six tackles and flashed for the second game in a row.
