The Baltimore Ravens opened the Jesse Minter era with an impressive 41-23 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, combining explosive offense with timely defensive takeaways.
Here are the biggest takeaways from Week 1.
Declan Doyle’s offense is explosive
Baltimore accumulated 506 yards in Doyle’s first regular-season game as offensive coordinator. The Ravens generated explosive plays through the air, on the ground, and through creative pre-snap movement.
Lamar Jackson looked comfortable
Jackson passed for 324 yards, surpassing his total from every game he played last season. He also rushed for 43 yards and repeatedly escaped pressure to extend drives.
Derrick Henry remains dominant
Henry rushed for 144 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries. His 26th career game with at least 100 rushing yards and multiple rushing scores moved him past Jim Brown
and LaDainian Tomlinson for the most in NFL history.
Zay Flowers was unstoppable before his injury
Flowers produced five receptions for 150 yards and one touchdown before being ruled out with a hamstring injury. Baltimore’s offense was noticeably less dynamic without him.
The receiving corps is suddenly thin
Flowers and Ja’Kobi Lane were ruled out, while Devontez Walker was inactive. Moore responded with a crucial 53-yard reception.
Baltimore must eliminate penalties
The Ravens committed 10 penalties for 86 yards. Holding calls erased Lane’s first potential touchdown and Bateman’s first reception.
The defense delivered timely plays
Indianapolis scored too easily on its opening possession, but Baltimore responded with two turnovers and a decisive fourth-down sack from Starks.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Seven takeaways from Ravens' commanding Week 1 victory over Colts
