Baltimore Ravens Win, 19-18, on Defensive Two-Point Conversion
By Joe Serpico
The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 19-18, on a defensive two-point conversion to win their second preseason game.
There was some good and some bad in the Ravens second preseason game, but they got the win and escaped another game without a major injury.
Third-string quarterback Josh Johnson was the star of the night for the Ravens to victory, but it was Anthony Levine who made the game-winning play to give them the win. He picked off a Stephen Morris pass on a two-point conversion and took it for a score to preserve another Ravens victory.
The Ravens first series on defense was similar to last week. They allowed to Colts to march right down the field, but forced them to settle for a field goal after making a stop with goal to go. Last week, it was a 14-play, 68-yard drive to start the game. Indy’s first drive went 11 plays for 61 yards.
The first offensive series was not what the Ravens want. They went three and out, but a Colts penalty kept the drive alive. Things did not get any better from there as they were forced to punt again.
Indy had another strong possession on their second series, again getting deep into Ravens territory. The defense came up with another stop, this time with a turnover. Albert McClellan stripped Dwayne Allen and newly acquired safety Eric Weddle came up with a fumble to put an end to the Colts drive.
Baltimore took advantage of the turnover as the second offensive series was a much better showing than the first. Terrance West gained a first down on a 19-yard pass play in the flat and then Kamar Aiken came up with two big plays to get the Ravens on the board. Mallett took a shot deep down the field and Aiken drew a pass interference penalty. Two plays later, Mallett hit Aiken for a 14-yard touchdown to give the Ravens a 7-3 lead.
Scott Tolzien took over for Andrew Luck on the third series, but Luck left his mark on the game. He finished 8-of-8 for 69 yards, moving the Colts offense efficiently in his two series of work. Starting quarterbacks are having their way with the Ravens first-them defense. The only positive is they have yet to allow a touchdown.
Josh Johnson took over with two minutes to go in the first half. He came out firing in his first series, picking up 59 yards through the air. Chris Moore and Jeremy Butler both were very impressive on the drive, which ended with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Butler to make it 14-6. It was a perfect two-minute drive for the Ravens and Baltimore entered the half with another lead.
Jerrod Johnson took over at quarterback to start the third quarter and it did not go as desired. He threw a interception on his first attempt and the Colts to full advantage of the turnover. They needed just five plays before Tolzien found Tevaun Smith for a 1-yard touchdown pass. Rookie Matt Judon blew up the two-point conversion play and the Ravens maintained the lead, 14-12.
We did not see Jerrod Johnson in the first preseason game and what we saw against the Colts might be the reason why. The offense did next to nothing with him on the field and it was tough to watch. It got so bad that Baltimore put Josh Johnson back into the game. Josh had another solid series that ended with a Will Lutz field goal to make it a 17-12 game.
Stephen Morris took over at quarterback for the Colts midway through the fourth quarter. He operated an eight-play, 64 yard drive that finished with a seven yard touchdown to Trey Williams. Just when you thought the Colts were about to take the lead, Anthony Levine picked off a pass on the two-point conversion and took it for a score to keep tour Ravens out in front, 19-18.
Baltimore had an opportunity to run the clock out, but failed to get the necessary first down. That gave Indianapolis one last chance to win the game. The defense was able to keep the Colts receivers in bounds, but almost gave the game away on a offsides penalty. Pat McAfee had a chance to win the game on a 62-yard field goal, but it landed short of the goal posts and the Ravens held on for the win.
The game ball goes to Josh Johnson for his effort tonight. We speculated if the Ravens could keep three QBs in our five things to watch in this game and he certainly made a case for himself tonight.
The Ravens will head home for their third preseason game against the Detroit Lions next Saturday. It’s likely the last time we see the starters this preseason and we could see Joe Flacco in that contest.