Ravens GameBlog: Rice shines, Ravens fall to Vikings 23-15
At least Ray Rice looks good.
Rice and the Ravens offense had an opening drive that looked about as smooth as a drive can look, and after that, not much went as coach John Harbaugh would have hoped.
Rice had 55 yards rushing on that drive, including a six-yard touchdown run, but the offense couldn't do much after that, and Baltimore's first-string defense failed to contain the less-than stellar quarterback tandem of Tavaris Jackson and Gus Ferotte.
"I think what you take out of it is an opportunity to learn and get better," Harbaugh said. "The reality for a game like this is that it's a 'camp' game.
Jackson started the scoring with a 70-yard drive which was capped by a 23 yard touchdown pass to Martin Nance. Nance ran a double-move which had cornerback Fabian Washington in complete no-man's-land and left the second-year wideout open in the end zone with no Raven in sight.
Rice's TD evened the score just a few minutes later. The rookie running back finished with 8 carries for 77 yards, including an impressive 42 yard scamper. On that run, Rice started left, but saw a giant hole to his right, and cut it back off right tackle.
"We were able to establish the run early today," Rice said. "We still have miles to go and we have to put pieces together. Once Willis [McGahee] gets back, we'll totally have our run game put together. But I like the progress we made tonight, and I hope we can build on that."
After Rice's touchdown, it was almost all Vikings. A Gus Ferotte TD pass to Robert Fergusson and three field goals from Steven Hauschka put the Vikings up 23-7.
Derrick Martin picked off Minnesota rookie quarterback John David Booty and took it back for a touchdown to start the fourth quarter, and Cory Ross ran in the two-point conversion to make it a one-possession game. But that was as close as the Ravens would get.
None of the three quarterbacks played especially well, leaving the quarterback competition still very much up in the air as we get closer to the Sept. 7 regular season opener. Smith finished 3-for-5 for 25 yards and an INT. He showed his impressive mobility on a few plays, but had more rushing yards than passing yards, and did not have the type of game that would give him a clear edge over Kyle Boller for the starting job.
Boller went 8-for-12 with an INT of his own. He showed good patience early on, not forcing the ball down field, but the interceptions are becoming a serious issue for the former first-round pick. Joe Flacco took over mid-way through the fourth quarter and went 10-for-15 for 74 yards, and did his best to lead the Ravens down the field with under a minute left and a chance to tie. His pass to the end zone went over the head of Justin Harper as time expired, however, and Baltimore took the loss.
Harbaugh admitted after the game that despite Flacco's strong finish, he has taken a back seat to Smith and Boller in the race for the starting spot.
"By the basis of practice and what [Smith and Boller have] done so far has separated themselves from Joe," Harbaugh said. "It's not to say it couldn't happen. But right now, they've moved ahead of him."
The Ravens fall to 1-1 in the preseason, and will travel to St. Louis next Saturday.
Boller with another INT
When you only play for a quarter, or two at most, every mistake is magnified. Well, when you include his performance in the preseason opener, Kyle Boller has played for close to an entire game now, and including Brandon Sumrall's pick of Boller tonight, he's turned the ball over three times in that span.
He finished the night 8-for-12 for 40 yards and the INT. Again, not horrible numbers, but if you aren't going to get your team in the end zone, you can't turn it over either.
Pick-6 gets the Ravens to within 8
John David Booty is a rookie quarterback. He sure looked like one on his first snap of the game.
The former USC Trojan telegraphed his out-route intended for Nate Jones, and Derrick Martin read it all the way, jumping the route, picking it off, and taking it 22 yards to the house for a touchdown.
The Ravens went for a two-point conversion, and Cory Ross came through, taking the handoff into the end zone and making it a one-possession game.
Ugly numbers through 3 quarters
The Ravens looked like a mediocre football team through three quarters, and the numbers confirm that fact.
Third Down Efficiency: 1-for-5, 20%
Total Net Yards: 162
Total Net Yards Allowed: 304
Net Yards Passing: 45
Positive numbers for Boller, but not in the way you might think
Through his first two drives tonight, Kyle Boller is 4-for-4. That's great stuff. What impresses me, however, isn't the completion percentage, it's the yardage total. Those four completions have gone for a combined 13 yards.
How is that a positive? After he turned the ball over twice in less than a half in the preseason opener, Boller seems to be making a concerted effort to not force anything down the field tonight. It's lead to two failed drives, but when Boller stays within himself and doesn't try to make something happen when there's nothing there, he is a much better quarterback.
Yes, you would like to see Boller utilize that rocket of an arm and take some shots down the field, but only when it's called for.
Halftime Stats and Quotes
Other than Ray Rice, the halftime statistics don't look too impressive:
Troy Smith: 3-for-5 passing, 25 yards, INT; 3 rushes, 35 yards
Ray Rice: 7 rushes, 71 yards, TD; 1 reception, 8 yards
Yamon Figurs: 1 reception, 10 yards
Adam Bergen: 1 reception, 7 yards
Head Coach John Harbaugh
On the first half: "We didn't stop them and a lot of that came from [Tavares] Jackson scrambling."
On the Ravens pass offense: "We have to help the quarterback move. If the ball is in your catching zone, you have to catch it. Troy didn't get a lot of snaps in the first half, but he handled things well, and his escape ability is good. You were able to see that."
Defensive Coordinator Rex Ryan
On the defense's first half performance: "That wasn't Ravens defense. Our communication from the coaches and on the field wasn't what it should be. You can put that on me. We didn't contain the quarterback, and that can't happen."
Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron
On the offense's first half performance: "We ran the ball well early in the game. Ray [Rice] found a little rhythm and the line did a nice job. We didn't protect the quarterback the way you have to. Troy did make some plays with his legs. He has a knack for that."
"We have to help our defense. We have to stay on the field. We certainly didn't do that in the first half."
Halftime at M&T
The Ravens defense sure hasn't looked like the dominant unit they're supposed to be.
On the Vikings' first three possessions, they gave up 17 points, and didn't do much to slow down Gus Ferotte, Adrian Peterson and company. Ferotte connected with Robert Fergusson on a 5-yard touchdown pass that gave the Vikings a 17-7 lead, and just before the half, Steven Hauschka connected on his second field goal to give Minnesota a 20-7 halftime lead.
Kyle Boller is in at quarterback for the Ravens to start the second half.
First turnover of the game belongs to Troy Smith
With the Ravens starting from their own 40 with under two minutes left in the first half, Troy Smith was looking for Mark Clayton on a slant route, but threw it behind him. The pass went off Clayton's hands and was intercepted by Darren Sharper, who took off the other way before being brought down at the Ravens' 22.
To make matters worse for Smith, he picked up a personal foul for a low block during Sharper's return, setting the Vikings up inside the red-zone.
Smith's first half: 3-for-5 passing, 25 yards, INT; 3 rushes, 35 yards
Smith showing his quick feet
One aspect of Troy Smith's game that gives him a big edge over Kyle Boller and Joe Flacco is his mobility in the pocket. We've already seen that twice today, on a naked bootleg on the Ravens' first possession, and on a miraculous play on Baltimore's last drive.
In a scene reminiscent of Eli Manning's dramatic escape late in last year's Super Bowl, Smith somehow was able to free himself of defensive end Jarred Allen, who was draped all over him, and then took off, cutting through the Vikings' defense and picking up 18 yards.
Smith's ability to make plays with his feet add another dimension to Cam Cameron's offense, and in my mind, give him a big edge in the quarterback competition.
Walker having a rough night
Frank Walker looked sharp in practice this week, but he's getting burned today. Walker has gotten beat deep multiple times, including on a 32 yard completion from Ferotte to Nance that gave the Vikings a big first down. He also has missed a couple open-field tackles.
With the injuries at cornerback, Walker had an opportunity to step up tonight, but he's really struggling so far.
Dawan Landry gets a "carry"
Interesting play on the Vikings' second drive -- safety Dawan Landry blitzed off the corner and came through the line without getting picked up. Quarterback Gus Ferotte handed off to Adrian Peterson, who ran to the opposite side of the blitz.
Landry jumped on top of Peterson in an attempt to make the tackle, but Peterson kept his legs moving, and picked up about three additional yards, giving Landry a piggy-back-ride in the process.
Vikings QB Jackson out with a knee injury
Tavares Jackson, Minnesota's starting quarterback, left the game mid-way through the Vikings' second drive with a knee injury. He was upended and landed awkwardly, and was down on the field for a few minutes as the medical staff checked him out.
Gus Ferotte will take over for Minnesota.
Rice starting to heat up
Ray Rice got the start last week in his first NFL preseason game, and didn't do too much to celebrate his coming out party. He must have been saving it for the fans at M&T Bank stadium.
On the Ravens' first drive, Rice busted through a huge hole on the right side, and took it down the sidelines for a 42 yard gain. Later in the drive, inside the 10, Rice showed patience that you don't usually see from a rookie. On a run intended to go up the middle, Rice saw an opening on the left side, shifted his feet, and bounced the run off left tackle. He lowered his shoulders and barreled his way into the end zone, tying the game.
The Ravens' coaches have loved Rice's hard-nosed running style in practices, and with Willis McGahee nursing a knee injury, he's getting a great shot to show what he can do.
Ravens tie it up thanks to Rice
A steady dose of Ray Rice gave the Ravens a touchdown on their opening drive and tied the game at 7.
Troy Smith threw one pass on the drive on the opening play from scrimmage, and the rest of the work was done on the ground, with Rice taking care of most of it with a 42-yarder through a huge hole on the right side.
Rice finished the drive by bouncing a run off left tackle, taking it in from six-yards out for the TD.
Vikings jump on top early
The Vikings fan base may not be sold on Tavaris Jackson, but the third-year QB just lead a fantastic drive that put Minnesota on top 7-0.
Jackson moved the Vikings 70 yards in under five minutes, capped by a 23 yard touchdown pass to Martin Nance. Fabian Washington was the closest Raven to Nance when he made the catch in the end zone, and he was about 15 yards away. Washington bit on a double-move and was left standing in no-man's-land.
Troy Smith is on the field and he looks to get the Ravens right back in it.
We're underway in Baltimore
The fireworks have been set off, Matt Stover has put the opening kick in the air, and we're underway here in Baltimore.
Adrian Peterson, quarterback Tavaris Jackson and the Vikings offense will take the field to start this game.
Look for the Ravens defense to pressure the inexperienced Jackson early and often.
Ravens Starting Lineup
Offense
WR Mark Clayton
LT Chad Slaughter
LG Ben Grubbs
C Jason Brown
RG Marshal Yanda
RT Mike Kracalik
TE Adam Bergen
WR Derrick Mason
QB Troy Smith
RB Ray Rice
FB LeRon McClain
Defense
DE Trevor Pryce
NT Dwan Edwards
DE Justin Bannan
OLB Jarret Johnson
ILB Ray Lewis
ILB Bart Scott
OLB Antwan Barnes
CB Frank Walker
CB Fabian Washington
SS Dawan Landry
FS Jim Leonhard
Players not expected to play tonight
Ravens
WR Patrick Carter
S Ed Reed
CB Chris McAlister
RB Willis McGahee
CB David Pitmman
OLB Dan Cody
OLB Terrell Suggs (who will join the team tomorrow)
T Jared Gaither
T Adam Terry
TE Aaron Walker
TE Daniel Wilcox
TE Todd Heap
WR Demetrius Williams
NT Kelly Gregg
NT Kelly Talavou
Vikings
S Madieu Williams
TE Garrett Mills
T Drew Radovich
DT Kenderick Allen
T Marcus Johnson
DE Brian Robison
Game Preview:
Minnesota Vikings at Baltimore Ravens
All eyes will be on Troy Smith tonight, as the second-year quarterback will get the start in the Ravens' preseason match-up against the Minnesota Vikings at M&T Bank Stadium. Smith will likely play most of the first half, and Kyle Boller and rookie Joe Flacco will split the remainder of the game.
Baltimore's defense will have to contend with running back Adrian Peterson, the second-year star who set the single-game NFL record for rushing yards last season.
Here are some story lines to keep an eye on tonight:
Troy's turn
The quarterback battle has been talked to death, but Smith can go a long way to supplanting himself as the front-runner with a solid performance tonight. Boller started under center in the preseason opener last week and went 11-for-15 for 102 yards, but had two turnovers, which has been his major flaw thus far in his six year career.
If Smith can show that he can move the ball down the field without turning it over, he might have a leg up on Boller and Flacco.
He won't have a full compliment of offensive starters to work with, as running back Willis McGahee, tight end Todd Heap, wide receiver Derrick Mason, and offensive tackles Jared Gaither and Adam Terry are all nursing injuries and are unlikely to play.
Concerns in the secondary
Safety Ed Reed and cornerbacks Chris McAlister, Samari Rolle, Fabian Washington and David Pittman are all battling injuries and will most likely not play tonight.
Reed's continued absence will give rookies Haruki Nakamura and Tom Zbikowski extended time at his safety spot. Both, especially Nakamura, have looked sharp in camp, and Reed's injury has given them a chance to get increased reps. Frank Walker, Corey Ivy and Ronnie Prude will fill in for the injured cornerbacks. Walker played well the last couple of days in Westminster, but he has to show coaches he can compete in a game environment.
Neal's new squad
Fullback Lorenzo Neal signed with the Ravens just four days ago, but his experience in offensive coordinator Cam Cameron's offense will allow him to see some game action tonight. Neal played under Cameron in San Diego, and the four-time Pro Bowler will split time with McClain tonight. How even that split will be is yet to be determined.
Neal is an established lead blocker, but head coach John Harbaugh has said that the Ravens will also look to get the ball in the 37-year-old's hands as well.
RAY RICE!!!!
Is this team Practicing Like They Play? Kyle Boller Must Go...Maybe Even Harbaugh...Newsome!
Again as I sit in my seat at M&T Bank Stadium, I try and understand the Ravens philosophy about offense and this year. I see Harbaugh's team making numerous mistakes that the Fans and Press blamed Billick for just a year ago. This supposed "Lack of Discipline" and "Poor Strategy Scheme" causing Billick to lose his job. Did anybody see last night's loss to the Vikings like me? Talk about mailing it in! I know we were weak in the secondary and I understand it is Pre-season but is this how you practice under the new regime. I thought you play like you practice! Until we got to the players late in the game whom are fighting for a job, it was clear every Raven was mailing it in!!!! From a fans standpoint what a waste of time!
Now as for the supposed QB controversy, Did anybody see last night's supposed QB battle like me? Kyle Boller looks the same as he has even as he is going against second and third string bums for the last 6 years! While I will admit that Troy Smith did have an INT. Clayton touched the ball and could have caught it according to Raymond Berry's Law: (If you touch it you can catch it!) Troy Smith is head and shoulders above Kyle Boller at the position and we need another veteran since Troy is still a rookie! I think Troy is going to surprise a lot of people but he is still learning at this level! We need a seasoned Veteran Like Garcia Culpepper...etc! The coaching staff and fans who continue to try to sell us Kyle Boller need to answer just two questions. (Besides are you either brain dead or brain washed? Is the object of the NFL is to field a team that gives you the best chance of winning? What exactly has been Kyle Boller's improvement over the last 6 years? Let's answer the ladder first:
So please tell me where the Ravens Coaching Staff, Ownership, GM, and fans of Boller see improvement? Most starting QB's going against 2nd and 3rd string QB's would dominate. Kyle Boller personally has the physical ability and is a nice guy but he mentally isn't capable and has had enough chances! This experiment is over and Boller should have went with Billick. If the Ravens are trying to put the best team on the field then, why Boller? I think they want a scapegoat for how bad this team will be on the field as is!!!!!