Renner couldn’t hide his excitement in the locker room after the game as teammate after teammate came by to shake his hand and offer their congratulations.
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If Smith had said Monday that he was retiring immediately, the Ravens would have been in serious trouble. “This group will sink or swim on its own merit”.
Some of the key changes took place along the offensive line, a unit that had trouble at times protecting quarterback Drew Brees last season.
Offensively, many have questioned the depth at wide receiver. Lafayette Parish viewers may also have access to NBC’s KPLC affiliate in Lake Charles, as well as the CBS affiliate WAFB in Baton Rouge (Cox cable channel 18). Now Jimmy Graham will not be able to move the defensive coverage to a specific place on the field.
The Ravens defense couldn’t stop New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in the playoffs when it mattered most. In general, keep an eye on the defense: there are a few new faces there so it will be interesting to see how they play together.
Starter Luke McCown, like the rest of the No. 1 offense, got off to a slow start. They could have cashed it in after the first quarter when they were done. “I didn’t want to cost this team a loss tonight”.
In terms of the rookie defenders, Stephone Anthony collected six tackles, Hau’oli Kikaha stayed involved while on the field and Damian Swann picked off a pass. It could have been worse.
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Michael Campanaro, right, runs past New Orleans Saints defensive back Kenny Phillips en route to a touchdown during the first half of an NFL preseason football game in Baltimore, Thursday, August 13, 2015.
“He is going out in style and at least playing for a contending team with a good quarterback”. New Orleans retooled on the fly and put Cooks and veteran Marques Colston at the heart of its plans with a likely focus on a shorter, quicker passing attack.
“I get upset because I see 16 penalties and it’s a reflection on us (coaches) as much as the players”, said Payton. He allowed Ravens end Elvis Dumervil to blow past him on a third down, forcing McCown into an incomplete pass. On the second series, Strief couldn’t clear any space for running back Mark Ingram on a third-and-1.
Baltimore’s Tucker hits a 25-yard FG.
Third-stringer Ryan Griffin got New Orleans to 20-14 at halftime with a 21-yard pass to Khiry Robinson, finishing off a 90-yard drive that lasted just 88 seconds.
Saints’ Hocker kicks a 50-yd FG. A 42-yard field goal, however, pushed the lead to 17-0.
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Saints RB Marcus Murphy rushes 3 yards for a touchdown. He led Baltimore on a 14-play 80-yard drive, capped off by the touchdown run.
