Friday, August 16, 2002
Jets 34, Ravens 16
The Associated Press
BALTIMORE — Ever the perfectionist, Herman Edwards made it seem as if the New York Jets needed at least another month to get ready for the regular season.
After the Jets blew away the Baltimore Ravens 34-16 Thursday night, their coach found plenty of flaws in his team's performance.
“We were a bit sloppy, obviously, on defense in the first half,” Edwards said. “We did some good things, but basically they didn't punt the ball one time, so that doesn't say a lot.”
Even though the Ravens didn't punt before halftime, they managed only three points against the Jets' first-team defense and didn't score their first offensive touchdown of the preseason until late in fourth quarter.
New York, which beat Pittsburgh 16-6 last week, has forced four turnovers in each of its two exhibition games. The Jets turned three turnovers into 17 points against Baltimore, including a 40-yard interception return for a touchdown by Andrew Davison.
The New York offense was even more impressive. Vinny Testaverde threw for 129 yards and a touchdown in just three series, and LaMont Jordan ran for two third-quarter scores as New York built a 34-10 lead after three quarters.
Testaverde went 9-for-12, leading the Jets to a touchdown and a field goal in his first two series and moving them into field-goal range in his final drive. In two preseason games, he's 15-for-20 for 190 yards and no interceptions.
Even Edwards was pressed to find fault with his quarterback's effort.
“Our offense did some good things in the first half,” Edwards said. “Vinny made some big throws, obviously, and there were some big plays by the receivers.”
Testaverde threw a 31-yard TD pass to Laveranues Coles and completed four passes to Wayne Chrebet for 87 yards before leaving late in the first half with New York up 10-3.
“When you look at the first half, we were ahead in the score, but we were sloppy. That bothers me a little bit,” Edwards said. “You can't do that if you're going to be a consistent and good football team, and I think our players understand that.”
Javin Hunter returned a kickoff 99 yards for the Ravens (1-1), who managed only three points against the Jets' first-team defense. Jamal Lewis ran for 24 yards on four carries in his first game since the 2001 Super Bowl.
Lewis, who missed all last season with a knee injury, started and participated in only seven plays. But he received a standing ovation from the crowd and a warm greeting from linebacker Ray Lewis as he reached the sideline.
“I feel good. It was all positive yardage,” Jamal Lewis said. “Now I think everyone knows I'm back, and to be ready for me. I'm ready to rock and roll.”
That was the best part of the game for the rebuilt Ravens, who need every bit of the three weeks they have left before opening the season Sept. 8 at Carolina.
“So many errors, so little time,” coach Brian Billick said. “We found some good things individually. We found nothing collectively.”
Chris Redman went 15-for-22 for 102 yards for the Ravens, but his fumble late in the first half led to a New York field goal.
Backup quarterback Jeff Blake also lost a fumble — which set up Jordan's first touchdown — and threw the interception that Davison took the distance.
Jordan, who played in college at nearby Maryland, scored from the 6 and the 1.
But it was Testaverde who made the biggest impression on the Ravens.
“Vinny schooled our defense a little bit,” Billick said. “At some point we'll pick up somebody down the middle. I hope it's sometime between now and my 50th birthday. I'm 48.”
Bengals Stories
Diamondbacks 7, Reds 2
Reds Box, Runs
Baseball owners at odds with themselves
Union has taken advantage of owners' missteps
Strike date likely today
Reds finally get lefty in Estes
Mets throw in towel
Ailing Johnson keeps D'backs rolling
DAUGHERTY: No fear, just strikeouts
Reds-Astros Preview
Injuries leave bullpen thin
Louisville takes over first place
Reds Notebook: Dessens' return delayed
Rain ends Braves-Giants in tie
Cardinals 11, Pirates 5
Cubs 6, Astros 4
Mariners 4, Red Sox 3
Yankees 7, Royals 5
McCleskey takes run at UC record
Furyk, Funk lead stormy PGA
PGA Notebook: Midwest fans go easy on Monty
PGA Scores
PGA Tee Times
Priestley's rehab could begin soon
High School Results
• Return to Bengals front page...
Jets 34, Ravens 16 
