Jerry Coleman: Ravens Back-Ups Fly Past Falcons
The Ravens came through with 20 unanswered points in the 4th quarter to beat the Falcons 27-23. They certainly did not play like a defending Super Bowl champ in the first half, when they were thoroughly out played by Atlanta's starters. However, the second and third teamers played like they were fighting for a spot on the squad by inspiring the comeback. "That's about as bad as we can play," Harbaugh said as he was headed into the locker-room to talk with his team. As far as the first half went, with the exception of Joe Flacco's 77-yard touchdown to Torrey Smith on a slant route, the Falcons dominated every phase of the game going into the half with a 20-7 lead. "This was good for us, a little humble pie." Terrell Suggs admitted at halftime.
There are always two sides of a story to tell, and in the second half the Ravens demonstrated their depth. With the help of back-up QB Tyrod Tyler who threw a 40-yard touchdown to rookie wide receiver Aaron Mellette, his 2nd TD in as many games. Tandon Doss also grabbed a TD, and Asa Jackson had a 78 yd punt return for the final score.
It was only the second pre-season game and by no means a time for panic, but it will be interesting to see how different this upcoming week's practice will be, based on the performance of the starters. Harbaugh has always maintained, "It is not always pretty but it is us," and the victory over the Falcons proved that, while solidifying that there still is work to do headed into next Thursday's home contest against the Panthers. In which the starters will see there most extended playing time
