Two plays later, McNabb deftly ran a play-action fake to running back Reno Mahe and lobbed it to him in the end zone over linebacker Adalius Thomas for the
first-quarter touchdown. It was the second scoring drive engineered by McNabb,
staking Philadelphia to a 10-0 lead in a game ultimately won 20-10 by Baltimore
at M&T Bank Stadium.
It was that kind of evening for the Ravens’ defense in what marked the first
time their entire starting 11 has been assembled in a game this year. It was
also Lewis’ first action in 10 months after undergoing season-ending surgery
last December to repair a torn hamstring.
“We expect so much of ourselves, and it wasn’t up to our standard,” defensive
coordinator Rex Ryan said. “We blew a coverage and they made a good play on the
screen.”
The game began roughly for the Ravens’ defense on the opening series as
cornerback Samari Rolle was flagged for a debatable 33-yard pass interference
call when he bumped into Darnerien McCants while going up for the football.
“Tough call on Samari,” Ryan said. “He had position. He looked back and made the
play. I’m not sure how else to coach that one.”
The Eagles went on to kick a 43-yard field goal to open a 3-0 advantage.
McNabb completed 6 of 10 passes for 97 yards. He was sacked once and finished
with a lofty 125.8 passer rating.
The Ravens did contain the run, holding the Eagles to 28 yards on eight carries
in the first half.
And Lewis got a measure of revenge late in the first half.
Although off-balance in the open field, the seven-time All-Pro corralled Mahe
after an 11-yard gain and swiped the football out of his grasp. Outside
linebacker Terrell Suggs scooped up the loose ball.
Mostly, though, McNabb and Co. were in control and demonstrated signs of being
ahead of the curve as they were competing in their third preseason game as
compared to the Ravens’ second outing.
“Donovan is good, plays with great poise,” Ryan said. “Give him some credit.
He’s very good.”
TRAINING ROOM: Offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden, who remains on the physically
unable to perform list following his father’s death, didn’t play along with wide
receiver Matt Cherry (dislocated shoulder), tight end Rob Abiamiri (calf),
safety B.J. Ward (migraines) and offensive guard Brian Rimpf (pulled hamstring).
The Ravens also held out wide receiver Clarence Moore (sports hernia) and safety
Steve Paris (groin).
Adam Terry started in place of Ogden at left tackle.
The Eagles held out several players, including running back Brian Westbrook,
wide receiver Todd Pinkston, defensive end Jerome McDougle and defensive tackle
Darwin Walker. Plus, they were without linebackers Greg Richmond and Chris Gocong, offensive guards Adrian Clarke and Scott Young and offensive tackle
Calvin Armstrong.
FULLBACK COMPETITION: Justin Green started, but Ovie Mughelli threw several
punishing blocks to seal off defenders from running back Jamal Lewis in the
first half.
Lewis wasn’t quite as effective as he was last week, though, overall.
He was held to 27 yards on nine carries, a 3.0 average per carry.
PUNTER WATCH: The Ravens started rookie Sam Koch, their fifth-round draft pick
out of Nebraska. He punted punted four times, averaging 39.8 yards. Veteran Leo Araguz punted once for 42 yards.
QUICK HITS: Dwan Edwards led the Ravens with six tackles. ... Terrell Suggs had
a sack along with Mike Smith, Ryan LaCasse and Jamaine Winborne.
Aaron Wilson writes for the Carroll County Times