BALTIMORE -- Joe Flacco and backup quarterback Matt Schaub directed first-quarter touchdown drives, and the Baltimore Ravens beat the New Orleans Saints 30-27 Thursday night in a preseason opener.
New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees was held out by coach Sean Payton. Brees participated in pregame drills but remained on the sideline after the opening kickoff.
Luke McCown started, and by the time New Orleans got its initial first down Baltimore led 17-0.
New Orleans took the lead for the first time when Marcus Murphy scored on a 3-yard run with 1:56 left. The score came after Terrence Frederick picked off a pass by Bryn Renner.
Renner answered with a 1-yard touchdown run with 2 seconds left to give Baltimore the win.
Copyright 2015 by The Associated Press