Baltimore’s first game under Jesse Minter offered an immediate look at why the Ravens entered the season with championship expectations. The Ravens were far from perfect. They committed 10 penalties, allowed Indianapolis to drive 59 yards for a touchdown on its opening possession, and lost Zay Flowers and Ja’Kobi Lane to injuries.
They still won by 18 points on the road.
That speaks to Baltimore’s margin for error when Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are controlling the game. Jackson passed for 324 yards and consistently punished Indianapolis when protection broke down. Henry supplied the physical element, rushing for 144 yards and three touchdowns while helping Baltimore control the ball for more than 35 minutes.
Declan Doyle’s offense looked
varied and aggressive. Baltimore used motion, misdirection, play-action and screens to create favorable matchups. Flowers was the primary beneficiary, turning five catches into 150 yards and one touchdown before his hamstring injury. The offense was less efficient without Flowers, but Moore’s 53-yard reception illustrated why Baltimore valued the veteran enough to elevate him from the practice squad.
Defensively, the Ravens responded well after a poor opening series. Smith’s interception and Humphrey’s forced fumble both led to touchdowns, turning a competitive game into one Baltimore controlled. The injuries and penalties cannot be dismissed. However, the Ravens produced 506 yards, scored 41 points, and forced two turnovers without playing a clean game.
That is an encouraging opening statement from a team expected to compete deep into January.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Instant analysis of the Ravens' convincing 41-23 victory against Colts
