Fansided

NFL preseason 2015: Ravens squeak by Saints, 30-27

By Matt Verderame

Jan 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) looks on prior to the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) looks on prior to the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Baltimore Ravens were able to take care of the New Orleans Saints on Thursday night in their 2015 NFL preseason opener, winning 30- 27 at M&T Bank Stadium. The game came down to the final play from scrimmage, with Bryn Renner pushing forward on a 1-yard touchdown run with two seconds remaining.

Next: NFL 2015: X-Factors for all 32 NFL teams

Baltimore got off to a hot start, getting out to a 17-0 lead by scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter. Lorenzo Taliaferro scored on a 1-yard run to start the scoring, followed by Michael Campanero pulling in a 45-yard touchdown pass from Matt Schaub. New Orleans did not play Drew Brees, instead starting quarterback Ryan Griffin. Griffin gave way to rookie Garrett Grayson, who made some terrific plays form the pocket.

Three Stars

1. Garrett Grayson

The Saints took Grayson out of Colorado State with the notion he could one day replace Drew Brees. Grayson has a long way to go in that department, but he looked good on Thursday in backup action against Baltimore, completing 8-of-11 passes for 87 yards without an interception.

2. Khiry Robinson

Robinson is looking to get some snaps in the regular season in a a running back rotation that includes Mark Ingram and C.J. Spiller. Against Baltimore, Robinson was able to show off his skills with 35 rushing yards on two carries while he caught three passes for 37 yards.

3. Matt Schaub

Yes, that Matt Schaub. Once one of the better quarterbacks in the league, Schaub is simply trying to be a decent backup with the Ravens. Although he did throw an interceptions – as is his custom – Schaub also completed 11-of-18 passes for 134 yards with a touchdown.

Injuries

Saints corner Brandon Browner was carted off the field with a leg injury. It is unknown at this time how severe the injury is.

Odds

Baltimore was favored by three points and resulted in a push.

Next Week

The Saints are hosting the New England Patriots on Saturday night while the Ravens will travel to play the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday.

Home/Baltimore Ravens