The Baltimore Ravens kept their historic preseason win streak alive on Saturday, using a little gamesmanship to do so.
Trailing the reigning NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles 13-10 at halftime, backup quarterback Tyler Huntley entered the game in the second half, helping lead Baltimore to a 20-19 victory.
Why are the #Ravens playing Tyler Huntley in the 3rd quarter? He almost won a playoff game last year and presumably is the top backup to Lamar
— Shane Haff (@ShaneHaffNFL) August 13, 2023
Huntley kicked off the third quarter by leading the Ravens on a 13-play, 75-yard scoring drive capped off by a 10-yard touchdown pass to receiver Tylan Wallace. From there, a 43-yard Justin Tucker field goal proved the difference as the Ravens hung on for a one-point win.
Tyler Huntley drives the @ravens down for the TD!
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) August 13, 2023
: #PHIvsBAL on NFL Network
: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/duSBuYvB61pic.twitter.com/FTGEQ32SeU
Unsurprisingly, Lamar Jackson didn't get the start at quarterback for the Ravens as head coach Jon Harbaugh opted to go with Josh Johnson instead. It's a curious decision considering Huntley has been a mainstay with the Ravens for the last three seasons while Johnson has bounced around, playing for three different teams over the past two campaigns. Perhaps had the Eagles played their starters, it might've made sense to want to see how Johnson fared. However, knowing that wouldn't be the case, keeping Huntley for the second half looks a bit premeditated.
In all seriousness, Harbaugh likely wants to push the QB competition between Johnson and Huntley. Waiting until the second half to put Huntley in sends a message that the job to backup Jackson is still open, as it should be a week into the preseason. Right now, it's hard to give an edge to either quarterback after Saturday. Johnson finished 8-of-12 for 45 yards and a touchdown, while Huntley went 8-of-11 for 88 yards and a score.
Regardless, the Ravens found a way to keep their preseason success going for another week, tallying consecutive win number 24 in games that don't count. Baltimore will take the show on the road next week, taking on the Washington Commanders looking to increase the record to 25.
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