The Baltimore Ravens entered Sunday's matchup against the Buffalo Bills expecting Lamar Jackson's return to energize their struggling offense. Instead, Baltimore lost its starting quarterback on its first offensive snap, watched backup Tyler Huntley suffer another injury, and entered halftime trailing 16-7 at the new Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo has dominated the statistical battle, outgaining Baltimore 202-52 while holding the ball for 19:30. However, the Ravens' defense has kept the game competitive with two takeaways and several important stops.
Here are five takeaways from a chaotic first half.
1. Lamar Jackson's return ends after one play
Jackson's long-awaited return lasted one offensive snap before his throwing hand made contact with Bills defensive end Greg Rousseau. The two-time NFL
MVP suffered a right thumb injury, left the field immediately, and was ruled out.
Jackson had missed Baltimore's previous three games with a high ankle sprain. His latest injury creates additional uncertainty for an offense already struggling to regain its identity. NFL+1
2. Tyler Huntley's injury forces Joe Fagnano into action
Huntley replaced Jackson but struggled to move Baltimore's offense before suffering a toe injury. The veteran completed two of four passes for no yards and fumbled a blindside sack. Undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano subsequently entered for his first regular-season appearance, becoming Baltimore's third quarterback of the afternoon.
Fagnano completed five of eight attempts for 50 yards but was sacked three times and intercepted by Davison Igbinosun late in the half. Baltimore's quarterbacks combined for only 27 net passing yards after accounting for four sacks.
With Jackson out and Huntley questionable, the Ravens face considerable uncertainty at quarterback entering the second half.
3. Roquan Smith and Ravens defense keeping Baltimore alive
Baltimore's defense deserves considerable credit after allowing Buffalo to score on its opening possession. The Bills have managed only 3.1 yards per play since that drive, according to the in-game observation provided, and the Ravens have produced several important defensive stops. Broderick Washington intercepted Josh Allen, setting up Baltimore's only touchdown. Later, Roquan Smith forced a red-zone fumble that T.J. Tampa Jr. recovered.
Smith has nine tackles, five solo stops, and two passes defended at halftime. Baltimore has matched its season high with two takeaways. The Ravens also stopped Buffalo on fourth down, demonstrating better coverage discipline than they showed during their second-half collapse against Cincinnati.
4. Derrick Henry scores, but Ravens abandon offensive balance
Henry has Baltimore's only touchdown, scoring on a short drive following Washington's interception. However, the veteran has just six carries for 26 yards, leaving Baltimore without a consistent rushing presence. The Ravens entered Sunday needing Henry to establish their offensive identity, especially with starting right guard Vega Ioane unavailable.
Baltimore has 25 rushing yards as a team, and its inability to sustain possessions has added pressure on an already overworked defense.
Henry needs more touches in the second half, particularly with the Ravens relying on an inexperienced quarterback.
5. Special teams and missed opportunities add to deficit
Rookie kicker Tyler Loop missed a 34-yard field goal off the left upright in the second quarter, costing Baltimore a chance to cut the deficit to three. His opening kickoff also sailed out of bounds, giving Buffalo favorable starting field position. Meanwhile, Bills kicker Tyler Bass converted three first-half field goals, including attempts from 56 and 51 yards. His final kick came with nine seconds remaining, extending Buffalo's lead to 16-7. Baltimore has also committed two turnovers, including Huntley's fumble and Fagnano's interception, while managing just one conversion on six third-down attempts.
Final notes
Despite the offensive struggles, the Ravens remain within nine points because of their defense. The challenge now is finding enough offensive production to complement that effort without Jackson and potentially Huntley.
Baltimore has been shut out in the second halves of its previous two games. Avoiding a third straight second-half scoring drought will be even harder with its quarterback situation unsettled.
First-half statistical snapshot
Total yards
52–202
Ravens vs. Bills
Possession
10:30
Baltimore's time of possession
Ravens takeaways
2
Interception and fumble recovery
Third-down conversions
1/6
Baltimore offense
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens vs. Bills halftime takeaways: QB injuries derail Baltimore
