Giants, Ravens in slugfest
BALTIMORE — It was supposed to be a meaningless preseason game. Once the Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants got on the field, however, emotion took over.
Trash talk, late hits and adrenaline-charged penalties don't usually occur in August, yet the Ravens and Giants did all that Sunday night. New York won 13-12, but both teams lost several players to injury.
Each team was penalized 11 times, mostly because of overaggressive play.
"That's just how we are. We like to do a little trash talking, just to make the game fun," Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs said. "But that's not what happened. I think we were just too anxious and they just caught us in our aggressive nature."
The Ravens were intent upon demonstrating their physical prowess. After losing to Carolina 24-21 in their preseason opener, the Giants weren't in the mood to get pushed around.
Two members of New York's starting defense left in the second quarter. Safety Will Demps, who started all 16 games last season, dislocated an elbow and cornerback Sam Madison pulled a hamstring.
The Giants also lost three offensive players. Wide receiver Michael Jennings rupturedhis Achilles' tendon, and Steve Smith, who caught a touchdown pass, left with a concussion. Guard Grey Ruegamer also received a concussion.
