The Baltimore Ravens are set to kick off their 2026 preseason slate with tonight’s matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Here’s what Baltimore Beatdown’s staff will be watching during the game:
I predict that the Ja’Kobi Lane hype train will continue rolling tonight with a highlight contested catch that he has become known for throughout training camp. I also predict that rookie running back Adam Randall will have a strong showing as he should be set for a sizeable workload from the backfield.
On defense, I think Zion Young and Chandler Rivers will boost their stock in their first NFL game action. I am excited to see how involved the pair of rookie tight ends will be in the passing attack tonight, as the position has become a concern following an uneventful training camp from veteran Mark Andrews. – Dustin Cox
In the preseason opener, I’m most excited to see what impact the Ravens’ rookie offensive skill position players can have. Ja’Kobi Lane, Elijah Sarratt and both rookie tight ends should see plenty of targets in the passing game. Lane will draw the most eyes as the star of training camp thus far. However, I’m especially keen on whether Matthew Hibner or Josh Cuevas can flash as NFL-ready pass catchers at tight end. It will also be interesting to see how running back Adam Randall performs. Randall has the potential to climb the running back depth chart and usurp Rasheen Ali for the No. 3 role with a strong preseason. – Frank Platko
As much as we all want Ja’Kobi Lane to ball out, I’m fully preparing myself to see him end the day with 2 catches for 17 yards and have all of NFL media rambling about how he was overhyped. He’ll get more play as the offseason progresses.
I’d expect to see a lot of play from LaJohntay Wester and Tez Walker as the offensive staff tries to see where they can be best utilized in Declan Doyle’s scheme. Ditto for the rookie tight ends, who will bear close observation. So far, the offensive staff hasn’t tipped their hands about how these tight ends are going to be deployed, and I want to see what Cuevas and Hibner do tonight.
The defense is going to be fun, even if it’s the blandest version of what Coach Minter wants to dial up. I’m excited to see what the DBs do, especially Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam, who could provide some depth as the season progresses. The player I’d expect to see play a ton is Adisa Isaac. He’s been heavily involved in the rotations of the ones and twos at practice, and I think the coaches are still trying to see what they have in him.
The most important element tonight is going to be what they’ve emphasized in practice: the basics. How is their timing and tempo? Are they communicating effectively? Are guys getting their assignments right? Can they be disciplined? – Kevin McNelis
Im excited to see Ja’Kobi Lane in game action. I wasn’t low on Lane but I never saw him being much of an early contributer outside of an occasional deep shot and a red zone role. I don’t know if he’ll have a magical play tonight but I would bet on seeing some poor backup corner committing a DPI on Lane trying to figure out how to cover that 6’4 contested catch monster.
Bilhal Kone is another guy I’m extremely excited to watch. He had an excellent camp last year and even made a play in his lone preseason action, breaking up a pass before landing bad and causing his injury. He’s going to have to fight to make this roster but he’s exactly the type of corner that fits in Minter’s system, long, athletically, and a nose for being around the ball.
The OL rotation will be fun to see as well. The center battle is the biggest one in camp and I imagine we see everybody get some run. First-round rookie Vega Ioane will make his debut and should absolutely bully some dudes. I’m high on Carson Vinson’s ability to eventually take over for Ronnie Stanley as the franchise left tackle and can’t wait to see his year 1 to year 2 jump with Ledford coaching him up. – Zach Canter
