They outgained the Jaguars 571 to 258 in total net yards and looked in sync on both sides of the ball. Mistakes were limited in a game that wasn’t too close from the start.
Here are some plays that stood out after re-watching the film:
Missed assignment: On a third down in the first quarter, quarterback Joe Flacco looked to his right, trying to find either Torrey Smith, Anquan Boldin or Ray Rice. None of the targets were open which allowed Jacksonville’s stunt up front to take effect. Kelechi Osemele engaged with Jags DT Terrance Knighton initially before a defensive end rushed in to free Knighton up. Left tackle Bryant McKinnie didn’t recognize the stunt, which allowed Knighton to sack Flacco. Making matters worse, receiver Jacoby Jones was open on the left side of the field, moving toward the middle. Given an extra second, and Flacco possibly finds Jones.
More touch: The lone area Flacco had issues in Thursday night’s game was on the deep ball down the sideline. In the first half, Flacco was off target on a deep ball down the sideline twice. The first one was an overthrow on the first drive of the game. Smith was breaking open and Flacco led his receiver too much. The second came on a throw to Jones on the third drive. Jones got past Jags corner Aaron Ross and the safety was late. But Flacco’s throw zipped by his receiving target. Flacco has performed at a high level through the preseason. If his deep ball improves once the regular season kicks into gear, he could put himself in position to have a breakout year.
Faked out: On third-and-3 from the Jacksonville 5, Flacco extended his arm in a play fake to backup running back Bernard Pierce. This execution sucked in Jacksonville’s linebackers, leaving the middle of the field open. Lined up in the slot, Boldin took advantage and ran right to the open space. Flacco threw an easy pass for the score. This preseason, Flacco’s looked great in the play action passing game.
Crushed: On Jones’ 51-yard kickoff return with just under a minute to go in the first half, he ran left with running back Anthony Allen in front of him. With Jaguars cornerback Antwon Blake in pursuit, Allen lowered his shoulder and leveled Blake. Blake went airborne and landed on his back. The block propelled Jones further down the field before being forced out of bounds. Allen’s had a hard time getting involved in the running back rotation (zero carries on two offensive snaps Thursday). But plays like that will be noticed by teams around the league if Baltimore decides to part ways with him.
Follow Ravens reporter Jason Butt on Twitter: @CBSSportsNFLBAL and @JasonButtCBS.
