Ravens Offense Rolls Over Jaguars

There was a lot to be satisfied with in the Baltimore Ravens dominating 48-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in last night's preseason game. The 48 points were the most that the Ravens ever scored in a preseason game. Although this was just an exhibition contest, it was the deepest into the game that the starters played in the preseason. The numbers for the starters as well as the team as a whole are impressive, if not astounding.

The Ravens finished with an amazing total of 571 yards of offense, which included 433 yards passing. Led by QB Joe Flacco, who had 266 yards, including two TDs in less than three full quarters of play. Backup QB Tyrod Taylor got into the act, throwing for 133 yards and two scores, plus running for another one himself. Even third-string Curtis Painter chipped in with three completions in three attempts, including a 33-yard TDs pass to rookie WR Tommy Streeter.

Running backs Ray Rice, Bernard Pierce and Damien Berry all gained at least 30 yards and Bobby Rainey added a 48-yard catch and run for a late TD in addition to his now normal all-around performance rushing (7 yards), receiving (73 yards), and returning one punt (-4 yards).

The only reason Rainey did not return a kickoff was that there were only two from Jacksonville in the game, one returned by Jacoby Jones and the other by Deonte Thompson. Ironically, both returns were for significant yardage, with Jones going for 51 yards and Thompson's for 63 yards.

Torrey Smith led the receivers last night with eight receptions for 103 yards, most coming after it appeared he had injured his leg early in the game and was thought to be done for the night. It was obvious that the Jaguars feared his deep threat speed and he was able to catch short and medium range passes virtually at will.

In addition to Streeter and Rainey, Anquan Boldin, Vonta Leach and LaQuan Williams all had receiving touchdowns in the Ravens passing frenzy. In all, fourteen different players caught at least one pass in the game.

Usually, the Ravens defense puts up the statistics that merit the attention it has earned over the years. For one night, even if it was only the preseason, the offense carried the team and provided the highlights for the game. Could this be a sign of the future?