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Ravens vs. Eagles: 5 Takeaways, Plus Stock Up & Stock Down From the Preseason Opener
The Baltimore Ravens opened the preseason with a convincing 24-7 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, and while preseason results don't determine what happens in the regular season, there were plenty of individual performances worth watching. From rookie playmakers making strong first impressions to questions surrounding the kicking competition, here are five takeaways from the Ravens' opener, along with a look at who is trending stock up and stock down.
1. Ja’Kobi Lane Makes an Impressive First Impression
Ja’Kobi Lane made an impressive first impression in his Ravens debut. The rookie finished with three catches for 38 yards and a 16-yard touchdown, showing the size, hands and playmaking ability that made him such an intriguing addition to Baltimore's young receiving group.
Lane wasn't simply getting empty preseason targets. He showed an ability to create separation and make plays when the ball came his way, and his touchdown gave Ravens fans an early glimpse of what he could potentially become.
Baltimore already has plenty of questions surrounding its wide receiver depth, particularly behind its established playmakers. Lane's performance gives the coaching staff another young player to seriously consider when determining how the receiver room will look when the regular season arrives.
Stock: UP 📈
2. Tyler Loop Deserves His Own Story
Tyler Loop had an uneven preseason opener, going 1-for-2 on field goals while connecting on all three extra-point attempts. His missed 49-yard attempt will certainly get attention, especially because Baltimore is replacing a legendary kicker.
But it would be unfair to compare Loop directly to Justin Tucker.
Tucker set an almost impossible standard during his time in Baltimore, and asking a young kicker to immediately duplicate that career is unrealistic. Loop needs the opportunity to develop his own identity and build his own legacy.
The encouraging part was that Loop didn't allow the miss to completely derail his night. He came back and made his next field-goal attempt from 42 yards.
The Ravens will understandably scrutinize every kick during the preseason, but one missed attempt shouldn't determine Loop's future. Consistency will be the key as the competition continues.
Stock: NEUTRAL/SLIGHTLY DOWN 📉
3. Vega Ioane Could Be a Major Upgrade
One of the biggest positives from the preseason opener was the performance of rookie guard Vega Ioane.
Ioane looked comfortable in his first NFL action, particularly in pass protection. He showed good physicality and appeared capable of handling the speed and power of an NFL defensive front.
And let's be honest: after some of what Baltimore experienced from Daniel Faalele, seeing Ioane step onto the field and look comfortable is an encouraging sign.
Calling Ioane an immediate upgrade might be an understatement, but it is obviously far too early to make that declaration after one preseason game. Still, if he continues to perform at this level, Baltimore could have a legitimate opportunity to improve the interior of its offensive line.
The Ravens need young players to emerge, and Ioane may have taken one of the biggest steps toward securing a significant role.
Stock: UP 📈
4. Adam Randall Could Complicate the Running Back Competition
Adam Randall had a solid preseason debut, showing that he can contribute in multiple ways. He ran the football effectively and also demonstrated that he can be involved in the passing game.
His versatility could become particularly important as Baltimore sorts through its crowded running back competition.
Meanwhile, Rasheen Ali's position on the roster appears to be getting more complicated. The 2024 fifth-round pick has had opportunities to establish himself, but Baltimore has several younger backs pushing for opportunities.
Randall's performance doesn't automatically mean Ali is out, but it does increase the pressure.
The Ravens don't need to keep a player simply because of where he was drafted. If Randall continues making plays while Ali struggles to separate himself from the competition, Baltimore's coaching staff could have a difficult decision ahead.
Randall: Stock UP 📈
Ali: Stock DOWN 📉
5. LaJohntay Wester Continues to Make His Case
LaJohntay Wester looked solid in his preseason debut, contributing as both a receiver and returner.
He finished with three catches for 24 yards and also handled return duties, giving Baltimore another player who can potentially provide value in multiple phases of the game.
For players fighting for roster spots, preseason games are about maximizing opportunities. Wester did exactly that.
His ability to contribute on special teams could ultimately be just as important as what he does at wide receiver. The Ravens have several young receivers competing for limited roster spots, and special-teams value can be the difference between making the roster and becoming a practice-squad player.
Wester's performance won't guarantee him a roster spot, but it certainly helped his case.
Stock: UP 📈
Jesse Minter's First Game: A Promising Start
The preseason opener also gave Ravens fans their first game-day look at Jesse Minter as Baltimore's head coach.
Minter's first game wasn't about showing the full Ravens playbook or unveiling every major scheme. The goal was to evaluate young players, establish fundamentals and get players through the game healthy.
Still, a 24-7 victory is a good way to start.
Baltimore's offense moved the football effectively, finishing with 298 passing yards and 142 rushing yards. The Ravens also averaged 8.5 yards per pass attempt, which was one of the most encouraging statistical numbers from the game.
The defense was also solid despite the Eagles' quarterbacks struggling to consistently move the ball. Philadelphia finished with just 83 passing yards and 76 rushing yards.
Minter deserves credit for having the team prepared, but it's important not to overreact to one preseason game. The real test will come when Baltimore begins facing regular-season opponents and Minter has to make adjustments with the starters playing significant snaps.
Still, for a first game, there was plenty to like.
Stock: UP 📈
Stock Up 📈
Ja’Kobi Lane
Three catches, 38 yards and a touchdown is exactly the type of debut a rookie receiver wants.
Vega Ioane
Ioane looked comfortable and physical, giving Baltimore reason to believe its offensive line could be improving.
Adam Randall
His ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver gives him an opportunity to make a serious push for a roster spot.
LaJohntay Wester
His receiving ability and return skills make him an intriguing option in the roster battle.
Jesse Minter
A 24-7 win in his first game as Ravens head coach is a strong opening statement, even if preseason results should be taken with a grain of salt.
Stock Down 📉
Rasheen Ali
Ali is injured but then he needs to find a way to separate himself from the competition. Randall's performance only increases the pressure.
Tyler Loop
The missed 49-yard field goal wasn't disastrous, but Baltimore needs to see more consistency from its young kicker.
Philadelphia's Offense
The Eagles managed only 83 passing yards, went 1-for-10 on third down and scored their only touchdown in the fourth quarter. Again, it's preseason, but it wasn't an impressive offensive performance.
The Bigger Picture
The Ravens' 24-7 victory wasn't about proving they are ready to win the Super Bowl. It was about finding players who can help them get there.
That's why performances from Lane, Ioane, Randall and Wester are more important than the final score.
Baltimore has plenty of established veterans, but championship teams also need young players to emerge. The preseason gives those players an opportunity to show the coaching staff that they belong.
Minter's job will be to evaluate those performances objectively while continuing to establish the culture and identity he wants for this team.
The Ravens also need to avoid making decisions based on reputation. Ali has draft history. Loop has the pressure of replacing Tucker. Ioane has only played one NFL game. Lane and Wester are trying to establish themselves in crowded position groups.
None of these competitions are finished.
But that's what makes the preseason interesting.
For Ravens fans, the best takeaway from the Eagles game is that there were several young players who gave the coaching staff something positive to think about.
The Ravens are 1-0, but the real competition is just getting started.
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