BALTIMORE - If the goal in preseason games was solely to win, the Baltimore Ravens would have been delighted.
The main objective is to get ready for the regular season, and that’s why the Atlanta Falcons almost certainly derived far more satisfaction from Thursday night’s preseason game even though the Ravens pulled out a 27-23 victory.
Matt Ryan threw for 97 yards and a touchdown in four series, and the Falcons bottled up Baltimore’s starting offense in the first half before the Ravens’ backups rallied with a 20-point fourth quarter.
Atlanta’s starters bounced back nicely from an opening 34-10 loss to Cincinnati one week earlier. Under Ryan’s direction, the Falcons pierced Baltimore (2-0) for 11 first downs in 16½ minutes and built a 20-7 lead going into halftime.
It was 23-7 before Baltimore scored 20 fourth-quarter points, including a 78-yard punt return by Asa Jackson with 6:18 remaining.
Ryan went 8 for 15 and threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Julio Jones. Steven Jackson had 42 yards rushing on eight carries against a unit that has seven new starters on defense.
Baltimore’s offense wasn’t much better. Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco played the first half, completing 7 of 9 passes for 118 yards, including a 77-yard touchdown pass to Torrey Smith.
But over the first 30 minutes Baltimore made only three first downs and gained 13 yards rushing on 10 carries. Ray Rice picked up 10 yards on eight attempts, with 8 of those yards coming on one carry.
“That first half was about as poorly as we can play,” said Coach John Harbaugh, who is in his sixth season with the Ravens. “I can’t remember us playing worse since we came here.”
Atlanta had its way with Baltimore’s defense, even though receiver Roddy White hurt his ankle in the first quarter and did not return.
After going three and out on the opening series, Flacco put the Ravens up 7-3 with a touchdown pass to Smith, who cut across the middle of the field from the right side and outran Asante Samuel to the end zone.
Atlanta bounced right back, moving 80 yards in seven plays to take a 10-7 lead. Jones burned cornerback Jimmy Smith for three catches totaling 55 yards, including an 8-yard touchdown play.
EAGLES 14, PANTHERS 9
PHILADELPHIA - Michael Vick was nearly flawless, Nick Foles looked sharp and the Philadelphia quarterback competition remains close as each led touchdown drives in a victory over Cam Newton and Carolina.
Vick completed his first nine passes before throwing an interception on a desperation heave at the end of the second quarter after the Eagles (1-1) got the ball with 24 seconds left in the half. He finished 9 of 10 for 105 yards and ran for 20. Foles was 6 of 8 for 53 yards and had 13 yards rushing.
BROWNS 24, LIONS 6
CLEVELAND - Brandon Weeden threw two touchdown passes to Jordan Cameron and perhaps ended any more discussion about a quarterback competition, leading Cleveland past Detroit.
Weeden connected on touchdown passes of 10 and 5 yards to Cameron in the first half as the Browns (2-0) opened a 17-0 lead. Weeden finished 8 of 12 for 117 yards. In two weeks, he’s 18 of 25 for 229 yards and 3 touchdowns.
BEARS 33, CHARGERS 28
CHICAGO - Jay Cutler looked shaky again and the defense made up for it, harassing Philip Rivers early on and setting the tone for Chicago in a victory over San Diego.
Cutler played a quarter and completed 4 of 5 passes for 38 yards and 1 touchdown, but the only receiver he targeted was Brandon Marshall.
Sports, Pages 26 on 08/16/2013