No one will convince John Harbaugh that the Baltimore Ravens ’historic streak doesn’t make sense because it occurred in a nonsensical part of the NFL calendar.
With a 20-3 thrashing of the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday night, the Ravens won their 19th straight preseason game, unofficially tying an NFL record. The Vince Lombardi-era Packers won 19 consecutive exhibition games between 1959 and 1962, which ended a few weeks before the Ravens coach was born.
“All those guys who were part of it during those years should be proud of that night because it’s something only another team has ever done: the Vince Lombardi Green Bay Packers,” Harbaugh said. “I’d say that’s remarkable.”
The Ravens went to the old school to stand next to Lombardi and the Packers. Tied with the Panthers at halftime, the Ravens ran 125 yards and two touchdowns in the second half. Baltimore kept Carolina at 18 yards in total after the break.
The Ravens haven’t lost a preseason game since Sept. 3, 2015. Coincidentally, Baltimore’s preseason streak began in 2016 against the Panthers.
“There will be people who will say that doesn’t mean anything,” Harbaugh said. “There will be people who will look at it and say, ‘Wow, that’s one thing.’ I think everything makes sense in life. ‘
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Ravens ’preseason streak is the longest in at least 26 years. Elias’ preseason records do not exceed 1995.
But longtime NFL reporter Rick Gosselin reported that the Packers won 19 consecutive exhibition games 59 years ago.
The Ravens did not match that streak because they repeatedly played their star players in the preseason. On Saturday, Baltimore knocked down Carolina despite failing to meet seven starters, including Pro Bowl players such as quarterback Lamar Jackson, tight end Mark Andrews, offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley and cornerback Marlon Humphrey.
“It’s a good feeling to have him because you can see the kind of culture we have as a team and organization,” said Tyler Huntley, who started as a quarterback instead of Jackson. “We strive to win every time we step on the field. It just shows you how much depth we, as a team, have to gain in the preseason.”
Some players were aware of the streak entering the game. After the win, Harbaugh briefed his players on the preseason milestone in the locker room.
“We celebrated and loved that moment,” said Chuck Clark, the Ravens ’safety. “But right now we’re on the records, but we have to keep getting more and improving as a team.”