The Ravens kicked off their 2026 regular season on the road against the Indianapolis Colts, and the first 30 minutes couldn't have gone any better. Baltimoreopened the Jesse Minter era with an explosive offensive performance, building a 31-13 halftime lead over the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Baltimore outgained Indianapolis 326-112 despite committing six penalties for 55 yards. Lamar Jackson completed 12 of 18 passes for 229 yards and one touchdown, while Zay Flowers produced five catches for 150 yards and one score.
Here are the biggest takeaways from the first half.
Baltimore’s defense recovered from a disastrous opening drive
The Colts opened the game with a seven-play, 59-yard touchdown drive. Daniel Jones completed five of seven passes for 59 yards before Jonathan Taylor scored from 1 yard.
Baltimore responded by allowing minus-1 yard per play on Indianapolis’ second possession and 0.3 yards per play on its third. Tavius Robinson recorded Baltimore’s first sack of the season, while Roquan Smith intercepted Jones after Kyle Hamilton generated pressure despite facing a double-team. Marlon Humphrey later stripped Taylor and recovered the fumble, giving Baltimore two first-half takeaways.
Zay Flowers overwhelmed Indianapolis’ secondary
Flowers was the most dynamic player on the field. He opened Baltimore’s first possession with a 49-yard reception before repeatedly creating separation against Justin Walley. Flowers later motioned out of the backfield, caught a short pass and raced 54 yards for a touchdown. His five receptions produced 150 yards, an average of 30 yards per catch.
The concern came when Flowers was listed as questionable to return with a hamstring injury.
Declan Doyle’s offense produced immediate results
Baltimore scored touchdowns on Doyle’s first two possessions as offensive coordinator. Jackson answered Indianapolis’ opening touchdown with a rushing score. Derrick Henry followed with a 4-yard touchdown after Jackson escaped pressure and scrambled 16 yards on third-and-16. Doyle also created a 19-yard gain for Henry with a fake handoff, fake jet sweep, and screen pass that forced Indianapolis’ defense to account for multiple threats.
Derrick Henry continued climbing the record book
Henry rushed 11 times for 63 yards and two touchdowns. His first score was the 123rd rushing touchdown of his career, tying Marcus Allen for third in NFL history. Henry added a 32-yard touchdown later in the half. The score gave him 129 career touchdowns, moving him past Hall of Fame wide receiver Marvin Harrison for ninth in league history.
Offensive penalties prevented an even larger lead
All six of Baltimore’s first-half penalties were committed by the offense. Jovaughn Gwyn’s holding penalty erased Ja’Kobi Lane’s first career touchdown. Rookie right guard Vega Ioane was called for holding twice, including one infraction that wiped out Rashod Bateman’s first reception. Ronnie Stanley committed a false start and a chop block, while Mark Andrews was flagged for a false start. Baltimore’s offensive line produced several positive plays, but the mistakes repeatedly placed Jackson behind schedule.
Tyler Loop provided the finishing touch
Loop ended the half by converting a career-long 57-yard field goal, extending Baltimore’s advantage to 31-13. His previous career-long was 52 yards. The kick provided a positive start after Loop made only one of four attempts from at least 50 yards during his rookie season.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens lead Colts 31-13 at halftime: Six key first-half takeaways
