Ravens Favored by 3 points in Rex Ryan's Return to Baltimore

NFL News - August 23rd, 2009 - Written by Bruce

Monday night's preseason match up between the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets will be Rex Ryan's first game against his former team. Ryan has spent the last ten years as an assistant coach in Baltimore, including the last four years as the Ravens' defensive coordinator. He is entering his first season as head coach of the Jets, a team who has yet to settle on a starting quarterback for the season opener. The Jets acquired quarterback Mark Sanchez with the fifth overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft. Sanchez is currently competing with Kellen Clemens for the starting quarterback job to start the season. The Baltimore Ravens have no questions about who their starter is, as QB Joe Flacco is coming off of a successful rookie season. Flacco will look to build off a good performance in the team's 23-0 win over the Redskins. Betting Odds have the Baltimore Ravens listed at -3 (-110), with the Over/Under listed at 32.5 (-110). Visit BetUS for all of the betting lines on the Jets preseason game at the Ravens.

Mark Sanchez looked good in his limited time on the field in the Jets' 23-20 loss against the Rams. Sanchez looked sharp completing 3 out of his 4 passes for 88 yards. In his first pass attempt, Sanchez completed a long pass down the sideline from deep inside the Jets' territory. New York is hoping the former USC quarterback can solidify them at that position for years to come. Kellen Clemens, who is competing with Sanchez for the No.1 quarterback position, also played well competing all four of his passes for 28 yards. The two will be both be looking to play well on Monday, hoping to solidify themselves as the team's starting quarterback. Sanchez will get the start, but both of them will get a chance to show what they can do.

The Baltimore Ravens shut out the Washington Redskins 23-0 in their preseason debut this year, looking a lot like the Ravens team that nearly made the Super Bowl last year. Joe Flacco played very well in his only two drives, completing 9 of 15 for 103 yards. Flacco will likely see more playing time against the Jets on Monday. Backup quarterback Troy Smith also played well completing 14 of 30 for 200 yards and one touchdown. Smith could see the bulk of the playing time on Monday, has impressed the Ravens coaches with his play this off season. Drew Willy and Cleo Lemon should also both see some time under center. The Jets hold a 3-2 lead in their all time preseason series with the Ravens, winning the last meeting 16-14 back in 2002.

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