BALTIMORE -- History repeated itself in Baltimore, thanks to a bold move by John Harbaugh. The Baltimore Ravens head coach decided to put Pro Bowl quarterback Tyler Huntley in the second half of the team's 20-13 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles Saturday night, extending their NFL record preseason win streak to 24 games.
While Josh Johnson got the start for the Ravens, Huntley entered the game as Baltimore trailed 13-10 at halftime. Huntley led the Ravens on a 13-play, 75-yard drive to open the second half -- resulting in a 10-yard pass to Tylan Wallace to give Baltimore the lead for good. The rally actually was started by Justin Tucker, who drilled a 60-yard field goal to end the first half -- a kick that would have been good from 65 to make it 13-10.
The Eagles made it a game in the fourth quarter thanks to Eli Ricks, who picked off Anthony Brown and returned the ball 31 yards for the score to cut the lead to 20-19 with 7:03 left. Philadelphia went for two and the lead, but Ian Book's pass was picked off in the end zone by Ar'Darius Washington.
Philadelphia didn't play a majority of its starters in this one, but had flashes from rookie sixth-round pick Tanner McKee and practice squad holdover Tyrie Cleveland. McKee finished 10 of 20 for 146 yards while Cleveland had a game-high 10 targets, catching five passes for 68 yards. Trey Sermon scored the one touchdown for the Eagles, a 2-yard run in the second quarter to put them up 10-7.
None of the Eagles' main starters played, although Jalen Carter had a quarterback hit on the first NFL snap of his career. Fellow first-round pick Nolan Smith also had a quarterback hit and third-round pick Sydney Brown tied for the team lead with six tackles.
Ricks had an interception returned for a score and three pass breakups while cornerback Mekhi Garner and two special teams tackles and a forced fumble. Garner and Ricks are battling for a cornerback spot on the Eagles as both are undrafted free agents.
Below are takeaways from the Week 1 preseason opener:
Ravens extend preseason streak
The Ravens extended their preseason steak to an NFL record 24 games, thanks to a second-half rally by No. 2 quarterback Tyler Huntley and a 60-yard field goal by Justin Tucker just prior to the half. The Eagles had mostly third teamers in the second half and played few starters overall, leading to the Ravens scoring the only points on offense in the final 30 minutes.
The Ravens have not lost a preseason game since 2015. Baltimore is 71-32 in preseason games (.689 win percentage) since the franchise started in Baltimore in 1996. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is 44-12 in his career in the preseason (.786).
Jalen Carter makes an impact on first snap
On Carter's first snap of his NFL career, he beat Ravens right guard Ben Cleveland and forced starting quarterback Josh Johnson to his right -- recording a quarterback hit as the pass was incomplete on third down. Carter recorded a quarterback hit on his first snap.
Nolan Smith also had a quarterback hit in the second quarter. Both Georgia players showcased how they can get to the quarterback in limited first half snaps.
Zay Flowers showcases excellent route-running ability
Flowers gave Eagles cornerback Josh Jobe and safety Justin Evans all they could handle in the first quarter, as he demonstrated what a weapon he can be for Lamar Jackson in the slot or the outside. The Ravens' first-round pick just burned Evans on an out route that would have been a touchdown if Evans didn't hold him.
Jobe had an illegal use of hands penalty on a route by Flowers that would have resulted in a first down. Flowers didn't record a catch, but made his presence felt with two penalties and moved the chains on both occurrences.
He also only had a one-yard run, but had a nice move to avoid a negative run.
D'Andre Swift flashes in limited action
Swift didn't need to see much action in this one, as his second carry was enough for the Eagles to keep him on the sidelines for the rest of the game. The Eagles running back juked David Ojabo and cut up the left side for a 22-yard gain and a first down.
After just two carries for 24 yards, Swift was out. He showcased why he's going to play an integral role in the Eagles offense this year.
Tyler Huntley enters in second half
Huntley, a Pro Bowl quarterback from last season, didn't appear he was going to play in this game. Josh Johnson got the start and played the entire first half, but Huntley entered the game in the third quarter with the Ravens trailing 13-10. He went 4 of 5 for 51 yards and a touchdown, moving the ball with ease against second and third teamers in the Eagles secondary.
Huntley coming in the second half is interesting since he's the No. 2 quarterback in Baltimore. The Ravens do play to win preseason games, so perhaps there's a method to the madness.
Huntley left in the fourth quarter, finishing 8 of 11 for 88 yards and a touchdown (126.3 rating). Anthony Brown relieved Huntley in the middle of the fourth quarter.
Tanner McKee is the clear favorite for QB3
The Eagles had a battle for the third quarterback job, but McKee ran away with it in the preseason opener. McKee delivered some crisp passes and showed poise in the pocket throughout the second quarter and into the second half, trusting Tyrie Cleveland and Greg Ward to move the chains for the Eagles.
McKee likely helped Cleveland's case to make the Eagles as a sixth receiver (should they go six receivers), as Cleveland was able to gain separation at the break point and was a reliable target for McKee when he was in there.
The Eagles have a leader in the clubhouse for a sixth wide receiver spot -- and their third quarterback job appears to be McKee's to lose.
