Thu Aug 7 23:35:52 2008

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Ravens edge Pats in preseason opener

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Foxboro, MA (Sports Network) - Kyle Boller was an efficient 11-of-15 for 102 yards and Derrick Mason caught three passes for 54 yards, as Baltimore slipped past New England, 16-15, in preseason action.

Rutgers product Ray Rice saw his first action of the season, carrying the football six times for 12 yards. Baltimore's (1-0) only touchdown came on Le'Ron McClain's one-yard touchdown plunge early in the second stanza.

Tom Brady didn't play, giving way to a host of unproven signal-callers under center. Matt Cassel was only 1-of-4 passing and joined his two quarterback teammates with an interception. LaMont Jordan, recently signed after being cut loose by Oakland, was the big star with 76 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries for the Patriots (0-1).

Matt Stover's 42-year field goal preceded McClain's score, equaling an early 10-0 Ravens lead. Stephen Gostkowski drilled a 36-yard field goal to get the Pats on the scoreboard, but Stover added a 44-yard kick in the second quarter for a 13-3 edge.

Piotr Czech's 37-yard field goal gave the Ravens a 16-3 lead, but New England mounted a comeback. Gostkowski made 44- and 40-yard field goals in front of Jordan's 1-yard plummet, however the Pats failed on the go-ahead two-point try.