Through two preseason games, we are starting to get an excellent feel for the standing of the 2019 Baltimore Ravens. The team has taken significant steps on offense towards their goal of an AFC North title and a playoff berth. Below I will highlight some of the biggest storylines through two games and reveal what we have learned heading into the third week of the 2019 NFL preseason.

Preseason Week 1 versus Jacksonville Jaguars

The opening game for the Baltimore Ravens was a smashing success in the NFL Preseason. The team opened with a 29-0 win against the Jaguars, and we learned plenty from this blowout victory. All three quarterbacks found success moving the ball, including Lamar Jackson and his first-quarter touchdown pass to slot receiver Willie Snead. Snead continues to be an excellent underneath option for Jackson and has also shown a good rapport with backup rookie Trace McSorley. In an uncertain and unproven receiving room, Snead should provide stability in 2019.

Second-year tight end Mark Andrews also caught two passes. He is another short option that will make a ton of plays for Jackson this season in a potential breakout campaign. The short passing game combined with an improved rushing attack will be the bread and butter of this offense going forward. However, there was very little room to run against the Jaguars. That is the one area where the Ravens struggled in this contest, as rookie Justice Hill was the leading rusher with only 33 yards. Mark Ingram did not carry the ball in this contest but figures to get the bulk of the early-down carries in the regular season.

In a shutout contest, there were some standouts on the defensive side of the ball as well. With the loss of Terrell Suggs and Za’Darius Smith, the team is looking for their young pass rushers to step up and fill the void. Among those players are Matt Judon, Tyus Bowser, Tim Williams and newly-signed, former first-rounder Shane Ray. A few weeks ago, I mentioned Judon as a player to watch for the Ravens this season. Each of these players reached the quarterback in this contest and earned plus grades for their efforts.

Some preseason week 1 takeaways, including the #Ravens pass rush taking shape. Check out the rest below! #RavensFlock ?: https://t.co/eKpZbTkOEN pic.twitter.com/RrRkInLUzx — PFF BAL Ravens (@PFF_Ravens) August 14, 2019

Other players who stood out include Kenny Young, who paced the team with four tackles, including one for a loss and rookie Jaylon Ferguson. Young corners Bennett Jackson and Cyrus Jones each intercepted a pass, proving that the team will have strength in numbers and quality in the secondary this year.

Preseason Week 2 versus Green Bay Packers

The second preseason match-up versus the Packers gave Ravens fans precisely what they needed to see. There is a great hope for a playoff and Super Bowl run, as Jackson guides this Baltimore team. Although it did not count, Jackson had an electric first-quarter scamper that resulted in a touchdown. The play was called back due to penalty, but it was the type of run that showcased Jackson’s home-run kind of ability for the Ravens. This running ability is what made the team nearly unbeatable after he took over as the starter. Jackson had a moment with Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers after the game, who expressed his admiration for the young star.

"I love watching you play, man. That was pretty spectacular." @AaronRodgers12 took a moment to give respect to @lj_era8 ? pic.twitter.com/qXn2l8xVLY — NFL (@NFL) August 16, 2019

Jackson also made some beautiful passes for first downs to keep drives alive. Running backs Gus Edwards, Justice Hill, and Mark Ingram also showed the ability to churn out positive yards and first downs. Hill bulldozed his way for a touchdown and was mentioned as a top performer for week two of the preseason. At the very least, the Ravens should be an elite rushing football team in 2019. The team finished 2018 with the second-most rushing yards overall. Baltimore should challenge for the number one spot in 2019, which could also translate into a playoff berth for the second straight season. The graphic below illustrates how successfully Jackson was running the ball during his rookie season.

Lamar Jackson's rushing ability took center stage in preseason Week 2. ?: https://t.co/vwqy7Gw40J Senior Analyst Gordon McGuinness (@PFF_Gordon) explains why the #Ravens' chances this season rely on allowing him to be the game-breaker he can be with his legs. pic.twitter.com/wT80XFmwG0 — PFF (@PFF) August 19, 2019

There were some other bright spots on offense, as McSorley looked capable during his time as well. The Penn State product is a great athlete, as showcased by his excellent pre-draft Combine performance. However, it was good to see him perform and move the Ravens offense steadily during his time on Thursday night. He did turn the ball over but appeared more decisive and improved from the previous week. McSorley threw a touchdown to receiver Chris Moore, who also showed well in the contest, coming down with all four of his targets for 54 yards and the score. He is battling for one of the top receiver spots, and this game should only help his cause.

Preseason success translating to the regular season

The win against Green Bay marked an unprecedented 15th straight preseason win for the Ravens. While the defense did not get tested against Rodgers, they showed well against the Packers backups. Matt Judon recorded a sack, and safety Earl Thomas made his debut in a Ravens uniform. Thomas is the undisputed leader of this defense, despite this being his first year in Baltimore. He looked energized and will be ready to rock when the season opens in September. And regardless of all the new faces on this defense, the unit should still be the backbone of the team as they push to win another Lombardi Trophy.

Scott Gorman is a writer for PFN covering the AFC North & NFL Draft. You can follow him @sgormanPFN on Twitter.