Declan Doyle entered the season carrying considerable expectations despite never serving as an NFL team’s primary play-caller. His first regular-season performance provided an encouraging glimpse of what Baltimore’s new offense can become. The Ravens produced 506 yards and scored 41 points during their victory over Indianapolis. They gained 326 yards before halftime and nearly scored touchdowns on each of their first five possessions.
ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell praised Doyle’s debut and the creativity he used to place Baltimore’s best players in favorable situations.
Zay Flowers moved across the formation, aligned in the backfield, and was repeatedly matched against defenders other than Indianapolis’ top outside cornerbacks. He responded with
150 receiving yards and a touchdown before leaving with a hamstring injury. Doyle also incorporated more under-center formations, helping Lamar Jackson complete six of eight passes for 114 yards from those looks. Derrick Henry benefited from a more diverse running game, producing 144 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries. The plan was not flawless. Penalties wiped out a touchdown and multiple first downs, while a protection breakdown contributed to a failed fourth-down attempt. Baltimore still averaged 7.4 yards per play and converted three of its four red-zone opportunities.
Doyle’s first game showed an ability to build around Jackson without limiting what makes the quarterback special. Baltimore incorporated different formations and concepts while maintaining the physical running game that has defined the franchise.
More difficult tests lie ahead, but Doyle’s debut justified much of the excitement around Baltimore’s new offensive direction.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Declan Doyle made a powerful first impression as Ravens play-caller
