Baltimore Ravens Post Game Reactions: Fabien Washington Returns and More

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The Baltimore Ravens took the NFL pre-season stage again at Fed Ex field to take on the state rival Washington Redskins.

There was quite a bit to talk about from the Ravens perspective, both positively and negatively.

The biggest update was the anticipated return of Fabien Washington, who returns to action for the first time since tearing his ACL last year.

I also have my thoughts on the offense, especially the improving relationship Joe Flacco is having with his receivers.

 

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1. Fabien Washington Plays Solid In His Return To The Field

Raven fans got a treat today when Fabien Washington returned to live action. Recovering from a torn ACL injury, Washington played much better than I would have expected.

Playing a full quarter, Washington wasn't as rusty like most people believed he was.

He did record one tackle, and did deflect a pass in the one quarter that he played solid coverage.

Fabien is sure to get more credit from outside media sources in his return, but if you have followed the Ravens closely, you can't be to surprised.

Washington did guarantee he was going to be ready for camp, and then would be ready in time for the week one opener against the Jets.

2. Joe Flacco,Receivers,Are Making Progess With Chemistry In The Offense

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Joe Flacco continued to make progress with the old and new faces in the offense.

Despite getting off to a slow start, Flacco challenged a Redskins defense that was top ten in the league last year.

The offensive highlight of the night was the 21 yard bomb Flacco through to Anquan Boldin, who had to fight his way to make the tough grab.

Flacco has been targeting Boldin early in the pre-season, but also went back to his old targets.

Ray Rice did play today, and was a force out in the backfield through the passing game.

Derrick Mason also got a tune up during the first quarter, catching two of the passes he received from Joe.

An improvement that is needed is improving third down play, especially early in the game. But I am sure the more playing time they receive, it will come over time.

3. Tight End Dennis Pitta Continues To Prove He Is The Real Deal

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Dennis Pitta said the day he was drafted, he had a chip on his shoulder to prove the doubters wrong.

Now, he is impressing more people in Ravens camp everyday, and tonight was no different.

Pitta led all Ravens tonight catching four passes for 65 yards. As Todd Heap continues to battle injuries, Pitta is making a case to earn more playing time during the season, and be in line to be the starter of the future.

Right now the vibe around Ravens camp is Pitta is ahead in the rookie tight end battle over Oregon's Ed Dickson.

4. Marc Bulger Has All But Locked Up His Position As The Second QB

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Marc Bulger made his second case in live action as the Ravens back up quarterback, but tonight's performance all but locked up his job for the 2010 season.

Bulger was 13/16 passing, with 180 yards. Bulger has already been liked by Ravens coaches for only only his starting experience, but the quick release he still possesses at his age.

I guess not playing in St. Louis is making that huge of a difference for Bulger, who is leaps and bounds ahead of Troy Smith for the second spot on the depth chart.

5. Terrence Cody, Prescott Burgess Continue To Impress In Pre-Season

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The youth on the defensive side of the ball continued to show in the second pre-season game.

Today, Terrence Cody and Prescott Burgess opened eyes against an average Redskins offense.

Burgess recorded two sacks tonight, not making it easy for any of the Redskins that are battling for starting jobs.

Prescott is among the many young Ravens that the staff is hoping can finally rise to the occasion and replace the hole Bart Scott left behind last season.

Nose Tackle Terrence Cody continues to the prove the doubters wrong, and give Ravens more reasoning to be excited about drafting him.

In his rookie season, Cody has already shown his ability to stuff the run, and more importantly, require double teams from multiple offensive lineman.

He recorded two tackles for loss, continuing a positive pre-season for " Mount Cody".