The Ravens just announced their preseason schedule. With the exception of the third preseason game in Charlotte, all of the exact dates are now set. It’s surprising that the Redskins are coming back to Baltimore after balking at this annual “Governor’s Cup” idea over the past decade. The NFL controls several of the games on the schedule now and have mandated that the teams play in the preseason because of the proximity and financial savings to the teams and the league.
Here is the official press release:
For Immediate Release
RAVENS ANNOUNCE 2009 PRESEASON SCHEDULE
The Baltimore Ravens announced their preseason schedule Monday afternoon, a slate that kicks off the 2009 campaign with consecutive home games against the Washington Redskins and New York Jets.
The Ravens will host the Redskins at M&T Bank Stadium on Aug. 13 and then welcome the Jets on Aug. 24 for a nationally-televised contest on ESPN’s Monday Night Football.
Additionally, Baltimore travels to Carolina in Week 3 of the preseason (date TBD) and closes out the preseason in Atlanta on Sept. 3.
“It’s a good schedule against quality teams,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “We know our fans will like playing the Redskins because of the regional rivalry. Getting the chance to play on national television against the Jets is something that will excite the players.
“We keep telling the players that we’re working to get better every day. That will be our continued goal in the preseason – to try to improve with each of the four games and then be ready for the regular season.”
Baltimore Ravens 2009 Preseason Schedule
Week (Date) Time Opponent Stadium
Week 1 (Thurs., Aug. 13) 7:30 p.m. vs. Washington Redskins M&T Bank Stadium
Week 2 (Mon., Aug. 24) 8 p.m. vs. New York Jets M&T Bank Stadium
Week 3 (Aug. 27- 30) TBD at Carolina Panthers Bank of America Stadium
Week 4 (Thurs., Sept. 3) TBD at Atlanta Falcons Georgia Dome
Note: The game vs. Washington is tentatively scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. All others times will be announced later, in addition to the date of the Panthers game. All times are Eastern.