The Ravens threw on 30 of the first 46 offensive plays, and QB Joe Flacco finished with 247 yards and a touchdown.
Said Ravens LB Ray Lewis, “As a defense, we are just clicking right now. That’s
what’s most exciting, the way we are clicking both offensively and
defensively. The bottom line is that everyone is lining up and playing
fast. We’re all playing well right now.”
Ravens T Michael Oher held Panthers DE Julius Peppers in check, and would have had a perfect night if not for a false start on the goal line.
K Steve Hauschka missed a 27-yard field goal, leaving the battle for the Ravens job with Graham Gano undecided.
Ravens TE Todd Heap appeared to be in fine shape during Saturday night’s game, which included a touchdown catch.
Panthers coach John Fox said his defense didn’t tackle well and called the pass coverage “shoddy at times.”
Panthers CB Chris Gamble was among the shoddiest, giving up several long completions and picking up an illegal hands to the face penalty that gave the Ravens a first down.
With DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart on the sidelines, the Panthers leaned on RB Mike Goodson, who responded with 78 combined yards rushing and receiving.
The Panthers offense failed to convert any of their third-down opportunities in the first half.
Injuries can only explain so much of why the Panthers have looked so bad during preseason, according to Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer.
