BALTIMORE -- Joe Flacco's first game with offensive coordinator Marc Trestman -- albeit the preseason opener -- couldn't have gone much smoother in the Baltimore Ravens' 30-27 win Thursday night over the New Orleans Saints at M&T Bank Stadium.
In his only action of the night, Flacco looked sharp in leading the Ravens on a 16-play, 80-yard touchdown drive, extending the series with his arm as well as his legs. Flacco was 5 of 6 for 33 yards, but his most impressive play was scrambling for 17 yards to convert a third-and-7. His longest run in last season's regular season was 15 yards.
QB Depth Chart: Don't expect any changes here this preseason. Flacco is the unquestioned starter, and Matt Schaub is the backup, especially since he's guaranteed $2 million this year. Much like training camp, Schaub was uneven in his nearly three quarters of work. He threw a 45-yard touchdown strike to Michael Campanaro, and he was intercepted by a fifth-round rookie cornerback because he stared down his receiver. Third-string Bryn Renner was intercepted late in the fourth quarter, but he redeemed himself by running in the game-winning touchdown from one yard out with two seconds left in the game.
Maybe That Dude Could Start: Defensive lineman Carl Davis. The rookie third-round pick made an impact in his first game. Starting in place of the injured Timmy Jernigan (foot), Davis looked like he belonged on the first-team defense. He collapsed the middle to make a tackle in the backfield and also batted down a third-down pass.
Who Got Hurt?: CB-KR Asa Jackson (knee) was injured in the second quarter and didn't return. He's had trouble staying healthy throughout his three-year career. Jackson was limited to seven games last season due to three injuries. ... Reserve TE Allen Reisner (ankle) was hurt on a kickoff in the second quarter. ... LB Steven Means left with an undisclosed injury, and this could further deplete the Ravens at outside linebacker.
A Surprise Performer Who Looks Amazing: Backup right tackle Jah Reid. When the Ravens re-signed Reid this offseason, there were a lot of people scratching their heads (myself included). Reid didn't resemble a disappointing third-round pick Thursday, showing more fire than his previous four seasons. Backing up Rick Wagner, Reid pushed around defensive linemen and even pancaked one.
Rookie Watch:: WR Breshad Perriman (first round) didn't play because of a knee injury. ... TE Maxx Williams (second round) couldn't pull in a tough catch in the end zone from Schaub but he showed effort on a 22-yard catch to convert fourth down-and-20 in the fourth quarter. ... LB Za'Darius Smith (fourth round) knocked down a couple of passes and recorded a sack in the fourth quarter. ... RB Buck Allen (fourth round), who is known for his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, dropped the only pass thrown his way.
When It was Starters vs. Starters, The Ravens Looked: Extremely efficient. Flacco's only incompletion was a pass he threw out of bounds when no one was open. He hit Steve Smith on a drag route, connected with a couple of running backs in the flat and found tight end Crockett Gillmore over the middle. There weren't any attempts downfield, but Flacco was efficient and in rhythm. The Baltimore starting defense forced the Saints on three-and-outs on both drives. Yes, it was Luke McCown instead of Drew Brees. Still, the Ravens weren't budging.
One Reason To Freak Out: Poor tackling by the backups in the secondary. The Ravens looked bad in trying to defend a screen pass to Brandin Cooks, who turned a short catch into a 28-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Asa Jackson couldn't shed a block, and Quinton Pointer got shoved onto his back. Later in the second quarter, New Orleans running back Khiry Robinson ran over safety Anthony Levine to score a 21-yard touchdown.
No clarity in return game: It's safe to say no one stood out in trying to replace Jacoby Jones. Jackson's longest punt return was nine yards, and DeAndre Carter bobbled a kickoff return twice. Michael Campanaro had a 10-yard punt return.
Campanaro delivers big play: Campanaro's 45-yard touchdown was the highlight of the first half. He ran a great route to get open and then stiff-armed safety Kenny Phillips at the 10-yard line to get into the end zone. There is no questioning that Campanaro can deliver plays. He just has to stay healthy, which he's done this summer.
Late dramatics: After throwing a critical interception, Renner led the Ravens on a game-winning 80-yard drive in a matter of one minutes 54 seconds. Renner rolled to his right to score a 1-yard touchdown. The drive was kept alive by Maxx Williams' 22-yard catch on fourth-and-20.