Baltimore Ravens: 6 Lessons Learned in Win vs. Redskins

Last night, the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Washington Redskins, 34-31, in their Week 3 preseason game.

The high scores belie a defensive showdown in the first half of the game; after the first quarter, the Redskins led the Ravens 14-7, and at halftime were up 21-14.

However, the Ravens were able to rally in the second half and won the game with only 22 seconds remaining on the clock.

In the following slides, we will detail the six things we learned about the Ravens in last night's win.

The Ravens Offense Continues to Put Up Points

In years past, the Baltimore Ravens were known more for their defensive play than their ability to put up points on offense.

Once the team added quarterback Joe Flacco in 2008, the Ravens offense began to perk up. By the end of the 2010 season, they were 6th in the NFL in average points per game, at 23.7.

Last night, they put up 34 points in their win over the Washington Redskins; this was their second 30-plus point game in the 2011 preseason.

With younger, faster offensive weapons available to Flacco this season joining veteran receiver Anquan Boldin and the running game of Ray Rice, the Ravens seem poised to continue this high-scoring trend into the regular season.

The Baltimore Ravens Defense Still Has Work to Do

Luckily for the Baltimore Ravens, their offense has become highly productive, because their defense appears to be struggling.

Flashes of this were evident last season, and it was made clear last night, with the usually-dominant Ravens run-stopping defense giving up 21 points in the first half to the Washington Redskins starters.

Part of this can be attributed to last night's game being a veritable blitz-fest for both teams' defenses. If the Ravens continue this trend throughout the regular season, it could prove costly against teams that are adept at picking up the blitz.

While this is not cause for panic yet, the Ravens evidently have more work to do if they want to remain as one of the powerhouse defenses in the NFL.

Flacco's Young Receivers Will Be What the Ravens Need, Someday

Quarterback Joe Flacco is looking to see an uptick in his completion percentage this year with the assistance of his young receivers, Tandon Doss and Torrey Smith.

However, the two will need more time on the field together to confirm this.

Tandon Doss had an impressive second half that included a touchdown in the 3rd quarter, courtesy of backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor.

However, Torrey Smith, who had problems with dropped passes during both his college career and throughout training camp this summer, had two drops in last night's game against the Washington Redskins.

Both receivers have a great chance to be legitimate talents in the league, but they are going to need more time and development if they are to become go-to guys for Flacco game after game.

Lee Evans Has a Second Life

Former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Lee Evans is poised to make a huge impact for the Ravens offense this season.

Aside from taking pressure off of Anquan Boldin, he is the kind of tall, fast, deep-threat receiver the Ravens have been lacking in recent seasons.

Evans was one of the only bright spots for the struggling Bills in his seven years with the team, and he looks to be a star for the Ravens offense this season.

His second quarter 35-yard touchdown reception gave the Ravens offense the shot in the arm they needed last night and set the tone for the rest of the game.

Ed Dickson Isn't Todd Heap, and That's Just Fine

Ravens tight end Ed Dickson shined in last night's game against the Washington Redskins, proving that he will be the starter to take over where Todd Heap left off.

Dickson had three receptions for 57 yards, including a 33-yard catch in double coverage in the second quarter, and played well into the second half of the game.

Look for him to be a regular target for quarterback Joe Flacco. It may take time for him to fill Heap's shoes, but what he offers the team this season is going to be nearly as valuable.

Tyrod Taylor Continues to Improve

Backup Ravens quarterback Tyrod Taylor has gone from a shaky beginning of his preseason to a player who appears to have taken full advantage of his time on the practice field.

He engineered the Ravens' come-from-behind win last night over the Washington Redskins, including throwing the game-winning touchdown pass, a nine-yarder to wide receiver Brandon Jones with only 22 seconds left in the game.

In three preseason games, Taylor has gone 35-of-57 for 392 yards and a touchdown, with two interceptions and eight sacks.

He has gone from a Week 1 game that had fans wondering how Taylor could ever win a game for the Ravens should he have to take over for Joe Flacco, to a legitimate backup with ever-growing skills.