STAR OF THE DAY: Ray Rice
The rookie running back continues to shine during the preseason. The second-round pick from Rutgers rushed for 77 yards and a touchdown on eight carries, highlighted by a 42-yard run in the first quarter.
PLAY OF THE DAY: Derrick Martin
Welcome to the NFL, John David Booty. The Ravens cornerback Derrick Martin gave the Vikings’ rookie quarterback a rude welcome into the NFL by intercepting his first pass and returning it 22 yards for a touchdown to pull the Ravens to within 23-15 after Cory Ross’ two-point conversion with 12 minutes, 11 seconds remaining.
YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN
The biggest cheers at M&T Bank Stadium came not for Ray Lewis or Joe Flacco but for Michael Phelps, whose final race was shown live on the stadium’s SmartVision after the game. Thousands of fans cheered during Phelps’ historic swim in the 400-meter medley relay in which he won his Olympic-record record eighth gold medal.
QUARTERBACK BATTLE
Another game, another missed opportunity for Troy Smith, Kyle Boller and Joe Flacco to gain the inside track toward becoming the starting quarterback. Smith ran for 35 yards on three carries but was just 3-of-5 passing for 25 yards and an interception. Kyle Boller completed 8-of-12 passes for 40 yards and an interception. Rookie Joe Flacco played the last half of the fourth quarter and finished 10-of-15 for 74 yards.
[email protected]
