Four Things to look for in Ravens/Packers game

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Photo credit Photo Courtesy: USA Today

By Austin Medina  

After a 29-0 thrashing of the Jacksonville Jaguars in their first preseason game, the Ravens gear up for a matchup with the Green Bay Packers Thursday night.

A few things stood out from the first preseason game. Kenny Young’s big hit on Jags quarterback Gardner Minshew. The impressive speed of Justice Hill in his professional debut. The booming leg of backup kicker Kaare Vedvik, who was traded to the Vikings after connecting on four field goals.

In the matchup with Green Bay, the Ravens defense will get a legit test as quarterback Aaron Rodgers is expected to play roughly a quarter of action.

Here are four things to look for during the matchup Thursday night.

1. The progression of the Ravens offense.

In the first preseason game, the Ravens didn’t show much of their “new-look” offense. Lamar Jackson still looked a tadshaky, rushing reads and missing simple throws. However Jackson threw a touchdown pass and connected on a 30-yard pass to Chris Moore. His pass to Moore showed some strong development from a season ago.

Lamar Jackson with the nice touch --30-yard gain to Chris Moore! @lj_era8 @mulatto15#JAXvsBAL pic.twitter.com/P4kBV0wlVU

— NFL (@NFL) August 8, 2019

New offensive coordinator Greg Roman doesn’t have to show any of the arsenal, but perhaps he can use the preseason to develop Jackson’s passing. His throwing mechanics have improved and with more repetition, say against the Packers, Jackson will gain more confidence ahead of Week 1.

2. The linebacker battle of Kenny Young and Chris Board.

Two weeks ago, linebacker Chris Board was in the lead to overtake a starting linebacker position, vacated by CJ Mosley. Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale stated “I think Chris Board is ahead of Kenny Young, but I still think Kenny Young … it’s still a battle.” Young shined in the victory over Jacksonville, as he piled up four tackles in limited time including a monster hit on quarterback Gardner Minshew.

--Kenny Young with the MONSTER hit on the blitz.#JAXvsBALpic.twitter.com/JeZ085AA8y

— PFF (@PFF) August 9, 2019

Be on the look out to see if any clarity comes from Thursday’s game.

3. Running back situation.

The usage of Baltimore’s running backs will be on full display in preseason games 2 and 3. Starting running back Mark Ingram did not play in the first preseason game. With Ingram not expected to suit up for Green Bay, monitor the distribution of snaps for Gus Edwards, Kenneth Dixon, and Justice Hill. Hill’s speed popped of the screen in the opener and Dixon averaged 5.2 yards per carry.

4. Rookie fever. 

With every preseason game, the development of every Ravens rookie is paramount. Whether it’s Miles Boykin at receiver or both Jaylon Ferguson and Daylon Mack along the defensive line, all Ravens fans can ask for is improvement. Look at for them against the Packers strong offensive line early.

What are you looking forward to?

Tune in at 7:30 pm to watch the Ravens take on Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.