The Baltimore Ravens committed 10 penalties, lost their leading receiver to an in-game injury, and had another touchdown erased by a flag. They still scored 41 points and generated 506 yards in a dominant season-opening win.
Baltimore’s 41-23 victory over the Indianapolis Colts offered an early look at the possibilities within Declan Doyle’s offense. The Ravens were explosive, balanced, and, perhaps most importantly, able to find another answer whenever circumstances forced them away from the original plan.
Lamar Jackson completed 17 of 25 passes for 324 yards and one touchdown while adding 40 yards and another score on the ground. Derrick Henry carried 24 times for 144 yards and three touchdowns, punishing Indianapolis whenever the Colts devoted
additional attention to Jackson and the passing game. Zay Flowers supplied the explosive element, catching five passes for 150 yards and a touchdown before leaving with a hamstring injury. Baltimore adjusted after his departure, using Chris Moore and LaJohntay Wester in expanded roles while continuing to move the football.
The Ravens finished with 10 penalties for 86 yards, including one that wiped out a Ja’Kobi Lane touchdown. Those mistakes could prove costly against better opponents, but Baltimore’s ability to overcome them revealed the offense’s margin for error.
Defenses cannot devote all their resources to slowing Jackson when Henry can take over a game. Loading the box creates opportunities for Flowers and Baltimore’s other pass catchers. Taking away the designed play can still leave Jackson able to create outside the structure.
Week 1 did not reveal a flawless offense. It revealed one with several paths to the end zone, and that adaptability could become Baltimore’s most important weapon.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens' adaptability may be their most important offensive weapon
