Basics
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m., M&T Bank Stadium
TV: WMAR Channel 2 (Baltimore), WJLA Channel 7 (Washington), WWCW Channel 21 (Roanoke), WUPV Channel 8 (Richmond), WTVZ Channel 33 (Norfolk), WMDT Channel 47 (Delmarva), and more. Ravens crew Gerry Sandusky (play-by-play), Rod Woodson (analyst), Evan Washburn (sideline)
Radio: 98 Rock (97.9 FM), TV simulcast
History
The Ravens lead the all-time preseason series, 9-5, against the Eagles. They last met in the 2023 preseason when the Ravens prevailed, 20-19, in Baltimore. Josh Johnson completed eight of 12 passes for 45 yards and a touchdown. Tylan Wallace caught a 10-yard touchdown pass, Sean Ryan had four catches for 37 yards, and Justin Tucker kicked two field goals (60 yards, 43 yards). Brandon Stephens had seven tackles for the Ravens and defensive back Daryl Worley had two sacks.
Key Storylines
Will the preseason opener bring more clarity to the offensive line?
The Ravens lost three starters from last year's offensive line, but the picture for 2024 is slowly coming into focus. Andrew Vorhees is the favorite to start at left guard, and he needs preseason reps after missing 2023 with a knee injury. With Ben Cleveland getting practice reps at center, a strong showing from Daniel Faalele against the Eagles could help him secure the starting job at right guard. Right tackle seems to be a battle between second-round pick Roger Rosengarten and veteran Patrick Mekari. If Rosengarten plays well, it may give him a leg up on winning a starting job as a rookie, because Mekari is valued as a backup who can play all five offensive line positions.
How will the Ravens handle the new Dynamic Kickoff?
Friday will be Baltimore's first experience with the new Dynamic Kickoff under game conditions. All teams are experimenting with different ways to defend and return kicks, and the Ravens will use this game to gain more insight.
"We are looking forward to it," Head Coach John Harbaugh said. "It'll be a challenge. We'll see what it looks like. I hope we go down there and smash their kickoff return, and I hope we break every return for a touchdown.
"Right now, we just want to get out there and line up and understand the rules and try to execute the schemes as best as we can and just see how we look."
Which young wide receivers will step up?
Malik Cunningham, Dayton Wade, and Sean Ryan are among the young receivers fighting for roster spots. Fourth-round pick Devontez Walker will make his Ravens debut and wants to show he's ready to contribute immediately as a rookie. With Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and Nelson Agholor not expected to play much if at all, this game is an opportunity for other receivers to shine under the lights.
Players to Watch
WR Malik Cunningham
Cunningham has made an impressive switch from quarterback to wide receiver but there's no guarantee he will earn a roster spot. Preseason games will give Cunningham an opportunity to show he can get open consistently and remain surehanded when targeted.
OLB David Ojabo
Ojabo has only played a total of five games in two seasons due to injuries. The Ravens don't have overwhelming depth at outside linebacker with Malik Hamm on injured reserve and rookie Adisa Isaac just joining practice this week. This game could give Ojabo an opportunity to show his potential to boost Baltimore's pass rush.
TE Charlie Kolar
Kolar had a strong day of practice Wednesday and is trying to carve out playing time behind Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely. The Ravens know Kolar can catch and get open, but they will also be evaluating how much he has improved as a blocker.
