CHARLOTTE, N.C. - -Steve Hauschka failed to finish off the Ravens' kicking battle.
The favorite after two preseason games, Hauschka missed wide right on a 27-yard field goal on the Ravens' first drive Saturday night. It marked his first miss after making his first three attempts of the preseason.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh said the Ravens were ready to announce the winner after the game, but he now will wait until Thursday's preseason finale at Atlanta.
"It was a little bit disappointing," said Harbaugh, who noted that he was displeased with Hauschka's kickoffs as well. "I was hoping that he would come out and grab the job. Right now, I don't think he grabbed the job. He kicked OK, but he's better than that."
Hauschka said he tried to "guide" the ball through the uprights.
"It's one of those kicks that should be an easy kick," Hauschka said.
The Ravens' other kicker, Graham Gano, has struggled this preseason, hitting only one of three field-goal tries. The rookie didn't have a field goal attempt Saturday.
Last week, Harbaugh said it was the team's preference that either Hauschka or Gano win the job, but indicated that Matt Stover, the team's primary kicker throughout their 13-year history, was still an option if the Ravens didn't go with a young kicker.
After his miss, Hauschka rebounded by making his two extra points and a 38-yard field goal.
"You're only as good as your last kick," Hauschka said, "and I came back and finished the game strong."
Interesting replacements
With Kelly Gregg (shoulder) out, the Ravens surprisingly started Brandon McKinney at defensive tackle.
Last season, the Ravens went with Justin Bannan when Gregg was lost for the season. McKinney has two career starts in his previous three NFL seasons. But the Ravens were impressed with McKinney last season, signing the 360-pound lineman to a three-year extension this offseason that pays him a $1 million base salary in 2009.
At wide receiver, the Ravens went with Kelley Washington over Demetrius Williams for the second straight preseason game. Washington had two catches for 59 yards in the first half. Williams, who started the preseason opener, was the No. 3 wide receiver.
End zone
