On August 24th, 2024, the Baltimore Ravens faced the Green Bay Packers in their third preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium. This game was a pivotal opportunity for both teams, as starters played more snaps, and coaching staff sought clarity on final roster decisions. While the game ended in a 20-17 victory for the Packers, the score wasn’t as significant as the insights it provided into the Ravens’ depth chart and preparedness for the upcoming season.
The Packers, led by Jordan Love, found success through a balanced offensive attack, while the Ravens, experimenting with various lineup configurations, managed to stay competitive throughout the game. For Baltimore, the preseason is always about evaluating key position battles and determining how the newer and younger players fit into their system. This game was no different, offering insights into Baltimore’s offensive and defensive readiness.
Before we go further, visit out our Baltimore Ravens portal for discounted parking, hotels and Ravens events around the neighborhood. You have more discounted parking options with us for your next Ravens games!
The Order of Ravens Play
The game kicked off with Jordan Love leading an efficient opening drive for the Packers, taking advantage of mismatches in Baltimore’s secondary. The Ravens’ defense was caught off guard by quick, short passes, and running back Aaron Jones punctuated the drive with a six-yard touchdown run, giving Green Bay an early 7-0 lead.
On the Ravens’ ensuing drive, quarterback Lamar Jackson was sharp, showing off his signature dual-threat capabilities. Jackson connected with wide receiver Zay Flowers on a crucial third-and-7 conversion, and two plays later, Jackson broke free for a 27-yard scramble, moving the ball into Green Bay territory. The drive stalled in the red zone, however, and Justin Tucker converted a 38-yard field goal to bring the score to 7-3.
Throughout the first half, both teams traded punts as their defenses tightened up. The Ravens saw flashes from young running back Keaton Mitchell, who ripped off a 23-yard run, but overall, the offense struggled to sustain drives. Green Bay extended their lead late in the second quarter when Jordan Love connected with wide receiver Romeo Doubs for a 15-yard touchdown after a blown coverage assignment by Baltimore’s secondary. The Ravens went into halftime trailing 14-3.
The second half opened with backup quarterbacks taking the reins for both teams. Tyler Huntley, stepping in for Jackson, immediately injected energy into the offense, leading a methodical 12-play, 75-yard drive that ended with an 8-yard touchdown pass to tight end Isaiah Likely. This cut Green Bay’s lead to 14-10 early in the third quarter.
A defensive stand by the Ravens’ second unit forced a Packers punt, giving Huntley another opportunity to impress. He responded with a well-executed drive that relied heavily on the running game, with Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell sharing touches. However, the Ravens had to settle for another field goal, tying the game at 14-14 entering the fourth quarter.
As the game wound down, Green Bay’s Mason Crosby hit a 44-yard field goal to retake the lead, but Tucker answered with a 51-yarder of his own to knot the score at 17-17. The Packers had the last word, though, driving down the field in the final minutes, with Crosby sealing the win with a last-second 35-yard field goal.
Game Heroes
Lamar Jackson: Jackson looked poised and comfortable during his limited snaps, completing 7 of 10 passes for 92 yards. His connection with Zay Flowers continues to be a positive storyline heading into the regular season, as Flowers led the team with 43 receiving yards. Jackson’s mobility was as dangerous as ever, though the offensive line struggled at times to provide a consistent pocket. His decision-making and accuracy were on full display, but the Ravens’ inability to finish drives in the red zone is a concern they will need to address.
Tyler Huntley: Huntley had another strong preseason showing, further cementing his role as one of the top backup quarterbacks in the league. He went 10 of 14 for 115 yards and one touchdown, showing great command of the offense. Huntley’s chemistry with tight end Isaiah Likely was evident, and he showed patience in the pocket, allowing plays to develop. His ability to extend plays with his legs and make smart decisions on the move was a major highlight.
Keaton Mitchell and Justice Hill: In the absence of J.K. Dobbins, Mitchell and Hill took advantage of their opportunities. Hill, a veteran, played with urgency, rushing for 47 yards on 8 carries, while Mitchell added 56 yards on 7 carries, including an impressive 23-yard run. Mitchell’s speed and shiftiness were on full display, making a strong case for his inclusion on the 53-man roster.
Isaiah Likely: Likely continues to be one of the Ravens’ most promising young players. He finished the game with four receptions for 42 yards and a touchdown. His ability to find soft spots in zone coverage and create separation with his route running makes him a valuable target in the middle of the field. With Mark Andrews already entrenched as the starting tight end, Likely provides the Ravens with an enviable depth at the position.
Jordan Love (Packers): For Green Bay, Jordan Love showcased his growth and potential as the Packers’ next starting quarterback. He went 11 of 16 for 140 yards and one touchdown, demonstrating poise and accuracy, especially on quick-release passes. Love’s ability to read the defense and make pre-snap adjustments was impressive, and he capitalized on the Ravens’ mistakes, particularly in the secondary.
What Worked and What Didn’t: In-depth Game Analysis
he Ravens’ offensive line remains a work in progress. The first unit, featuring starters Ronnie Stanley and Morgan Moses, allowed pressure on several plays, limiting Jackson’s time to throw. Though Jackson’s mobility helped mitigate the damage, the lack of consistent protection will be an area of concern heading into the regular season. The interior of the line, with Kevin Zeitler and Tyler Linderbaum, performed admirably in run blocking, but the pass protection must improve, especially against stronger defensive fronts like the Packers’.
Defensively, the Ravens showed flashes of potential, particularly in the second half when the younger players took over. Roquan Smith, although playing limited snaps, was a force in the middle, recording five tackles in the first quarter. His presence will be crucial in helping to solidify the front seven, particularly against run-heavy offenses.
The secondary, however, remains inconsistent. The starting corners, Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Stephens, struggled at times against the Packers’ receivers, particularly on quick routes. The miscommunication that led to Romeo Doubs’ touchdown is something that will need to be addressed. Safety Kyle Hamilton had a quiet night but showed promise in run support and coverage, though the secondary as a whole will need to tighten up before the regular season begins.
Green Bay’s offensive game plan capitalized on Baltimore’s defensive weaknesses, particularly the lack of a consistent pass rush. While Patrick Queen and Odafe Oweh managed to create pressure on a few occasions, the Ravens’ inability to bring down Love allowed him to extend plays and find open receivers. The defensive line, missing veteran Michael Pierce, struggled to collapse the pocket, a problem that could persist if not addressed.
Moving Forward
While the Ravens didn’t come away with a win, the game provided valuable insights into the team’s depth and areas for improvement. Lamar Jackson’s sharpness and command of the offense are promising signs, but the team must work on its red zone efficiency and protect its star quarterback better. Tyler Huntley continues to prove he’s one of the league’s best backup quarterbacks, and the running back battle between Keaton Mitchell and Justice Hill will be an interesting storyline as the regular season approaches.
Defensively, Roquan Smith remains the heart of the unit, but the secondary and pass rush must improve if the Ravens hope to contend with elite offenses. With the final preseason game approaching, roster decisions will become clearer, and the Ravens will need to use the remaining time to shore up their weaknesses.
The preseason is often about fine-tuning and identifying which players will step up when called upon. For the Ravens, there is work to be done, but the talent is there. Now, it’s just a matter of putting the pieces together before the regular season kicks off.