BALTIMORE -- A few thoughts on the Baltimore Ravens' 31-13 loss to the Washington Redskins:
What it means: The Ravens' starters were solid and their backups struggled mightily. Quarterback Joe Flacco led the Ravens to scores on three of their four drives, and the defense's biggest mistake was giving up a fluke touchdown off a deflected pass. The Ravens were head 13-7 when the starters exited. The lasting image, though, is the scrum between the teams after wide receiver Kamar Aiken was driven head-first into the turf. That led to Ravens coach John Harbaugh shouting at Redskins coach Jay Gruden and the ejection of wide receiver Steve Smith.
Play of the game: Smith's 63-yard touchdown. On the fourth play of the game, Smith caught a pass at the Redskins' 46-yard line, weaved his way around cornerback David Amerson and then outraced the rest of the Washington defense for the Ravens' biggest play of the preseason. Smith's longest catch in the first two preseason games gained six yards.
Stat of note: 31. Unanswered points given up by the Ravens, most of which came after their starters were gone. It was a flurry of mistakes from a Matt Schaub interception to Asa Jackson bumbled punt return to Buck Allen's fumble at the goal line. This 18-point defeat comes one week after Baltimore was routed 40-17 in Philadelphia.
Injuries of note: DT Timmy Jernigan (knee) was hurt in the first quarter and didn't return. Durability is a major concern for Jernigan, who is replacing Haloti Ngata. ... OL Ryan Jensen (concussion), DE Lawrence Guy (knee) and DL DeAngelo Tyson (shoulder) were also banged up.
What's next: The Ravens wrap up the preseason Thursday against the Falcons in Atlanta. Most of the starters aren't expected to play.
