Knee-Jerk Reactions: Ravens 41 Colts 23

The Jesse Minter era started off on the right foot, with a 41-23 win over the Indianapolis Colts. RSR staff react to the win here.

Darin McCann

Some clarification on injuries to Ja’Kobi Lane, Zay Flowers and T.J. Tampa will tell the entire story on this game’s impact on the Ravens’ season, but there was a lot to like from today’s performance — and probably some reason for optimism that the problems they did have can get fixed with some more live reps.

And, most importantly, they got the “W.”

Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and Flowers were all tremendous, and there was some good to take from the offensive line’s performance, outside of the avalanche of penalties. On defense, Roquan Smith, Marlon Humphrey, Tavius Robinson and Travis Jones all shined throughout the game, with some big-time plays from Malaki Starks and Kyle Hamilton mixed in.

But if I was going to give out the Unsung Hero Award for today, it goes to Chris Moore, who had a key block on Henry’s 32-yard touchdown run, averaged more than 30 yards on four kickoff returns and pulled in a huge 53-yard catch when the Ravens’ offense was beginning to look a little stagnant after the receiver injuries.

Congrats to Jesse Minter and company on a good win against a good team on the road. Time to get back in the lab and clean up some things, but there is a lot to like if the health reports come back positive.

Derek Arnold

After Shane Steichen scored on a drive he had all offseason to script, Ravens fans were feeling less than confident. However, the offense immediately responded, Roquan Smith hauled in a pick, and the rout was, basically, on.

Plenty to love and plenty to build upon. Obviously, the injuries to Flowers, Lane, and Tampa are on all ours minds. The hamstring is something that could plague Zay all season. Lane having his first NFL touchdown (and perfect Squirrel dance) wiped out by a holding penalty, then injuring his wrist and going out, is a gut-punch. Lane also had some great downfield blocking on Flowers’ long TD scamper.

In addition to that penalty, laundry also wiped out at least three other Ravens big plays/first downs. It’s gotta get cleaned up, ASAP.

Shoutout to Chris Moore, stepping up with a great return and a long catch when the offense was stalling. Would’ve been nice to see Bateman do that…hopefully Tez Walker and/or Elijah Sarratt can be productive if Lane misses time. And a hat tap to Tyler Loop, who was perfect and hit a new career-long FG to close the first half, and then a 45-yarder to make it a three-score game again late.

Trey Hendrickson should have drawn several holds but the crew, for some reason, decided to eat the laundry on those. Tavius Robinson had a strong day. Jesse Minter is having a good time with Kyle Hamilton at his disposal.

Jared Pinder

Let’s get the and out of the way: the pre-snap penalties today were unacceptable and the loss of Lane and Flowers really killed the offense. Outside of that everything else was great. Zay looked amazing when he was in and Lamar looks like a new man. Outside of a couple bad series by the defense, they were tremendous today as well. No doubt in my mind that those pre-snap penalties can get ironed out, but the WR depth is worrying me if Lane and Zay are out. They might have to rely on guys who were inactive today to help.

Outside of that it was a perfect day and while it got close at points, that’s mainly due to to injuries on offense and the penalties.

If this what they look like when damaged, than we are going to have some fun this year.

Jason Woolbert

I had this as a higher scoring game than most (31-27) but the Ravens reached my total by halftime.  It was an offensive clinic, albeit with one glaring flaw.  The offensive line did a very good job blocking… when they weren’t drawing flags.  The procedural penalties and the holding calls held the team back quite a bit.  They still boat raced the Colts.  That is a very encouraging sign, provided the procedural stuff can get cleaned up.

The defense looks better too, as we thought.  They gave up a quick score on Indy’s first drive, and another after a busted play by the offense led to a sack-fumble.  That said, Indy’s offense is no joke, and Anthony Weaver‘s crew contained them.  The DBs in particular brought it today.  Marlon Humphrey looks so much better.  Roquan Smith for that matter.  Tavius Robinson and Travis Jones had big days and Trey Hendrickson made a difference with his pressures.

Even Tyler Loop was 100% today.

So if there’s anything to be concerned about it’s the injuries to WRs Zay Flowers and Ja’Kobi Lane.  Flowers was having a career day when he left the game with a tweaked hamstring.  Judging by his body language in the second half, he wanted back in the game, and that hopefully means he’s week-to-week and not going on IR.  Lane is another matter.  The pre-season darling was quickly ruled out with a wrist injury and is probably missing the minimum four weeks.  Add to that Tez Walker and Elijah Sarratt who were inactive.  Chris Moore of all people hauled in a 52-yard catch in the second half.  Some moves need to be made for next week.

All in all, a pretty stress-free day.  Congrats to coach Minter making Ravens coaching debuts 3-1 overall.

Chris Schisler

Who thought it would start with a Colts touchdown drive, and then the Ravens would dominate the rest of the day? There are a couple of concerns. Zay Flowers left the game with a hamstring injury, and the offense was not as explosive in his absence. The penalties were enough to drive a silent monk to screaming rage. That said, how about them Ravens?

Lamar Jackson looked incredible. He had some highlight runs including a long first down pickup on a play where 99.999 percent of quarterbacks get sacked. Derrick Henry is still very much King Henry.

The defense made a huge difference with some turnovers. Marlon Humphrey looked like he was back in his prime. Roquan Smith has a pick and a great game.

The Ravens need to figure out how to lean on players that aren’t Zay Flowers, and clean up all the penalties. Other than that, this was a phenomenal opener for the Ravens.

Jesse Minter is 1-0. He managed the game well and his team controlled this game immediately following a rough first drive that caught Baltimore off guard.

Rob Shields

Obviously a nice first week. Indy isn’t that great but they aren’t a bad team either.

To go in there and never be in danger of losing was impressive.

Lamar threw for 300+ yards, Henry was over 140 yards and Zay was at 150 yards, despite not playing the second half. Lamar also ran the ball well, which was great to see given what we saw last week. Play calling was excellent. Offense had over 500 yards of total offense.

Defensively, they let up the TD on the first drive but allowed less than 200 yards the rest of the game.  They only had two sacks but there was a lot of pressure. Indy was held to 3-for-11 on 3rd and 4th down. They allowed 251 yards, with some of that coming in garbage time. They only gave up 193 yards heading into the fourth..

If you are looking for issues, the penalties were a problem. They negated numerous big plays.

Also, the injuries were brutal. Zay was never officially declared out and was seen on the sideline in his uni and pads for most of the second half, so perhaps the hammy isn’t awful.  Still, considering he had the hammy issue in training camp, it’s obviously concerning.

Ja’Kobi Lane (wrist) and T.J. Tampa (knee) each got knocked and were declared out quickly, which is obviously not a great sign.  Hopefully whatever is wrong won’t be season ending or anything close to it. We don’t have a ton of depth at those positions.

One thing I want to point out that resonated with me was the Starks sack at the end of the game. I don’t think that happens with Harbaugh. That was a 3rd and 11 play. Harbaugh would have played a zone, told his team to keep them in front and see what happens. Maybe it ends up being 4th and 3, they pick it up and keep the drive going. Minter said F that…got get him. Just that one play felt different.

John Hughey

Don’t think you could have asked for a better start to the Minter era in Baltimore. The defense was flying all over the field, making plays, getting pressure on Daniel Jones, and forcing turnovers. Jackson and the offense responded well to the Colts opening-drive touchdown, answering with a score of their own and not looking back en route to a 31-point first half. The score makes you happy, but there were definitely some negatives to take away from the Ravens win this afternoon.

— Jackson finishes with the 10th 300-yard game of his career. The 2x MVP looked to be in form for his third, finishing 17/25 for 324 yards, 1 TD, and a score on the ground

— The Ravens defense was flying around and looked the part with a new pass rush. 14 total pressures, 6 QB hits, and a sack, with two 2 takeaways as well. Marlon Humphrey appeared to be back to his All-Pro form

— Tyler Loop had the exact start to a season you’d hope for. A career-long 57-yard field goal, a 45-yard clincher, and 5/5 on XPs. An AFC ST Player of the Week could be on the way for Loop

— The Ravens’ offensive line struggled today, stalling multiple drives with penalties and allowing pressure inside on an eventual turnover from Lamar Jackson. Ioane was called for two holding penalties today, although his first was definitely debatable.

— Injuries stacked up for the Ravens today. After entering the day with just 5 WRs, with Tez Walker and Elijah Sarratt inactive, both Zay Flowers and Ja’Kobi Lane would leave with injuries. Flowers appeared to re-aggravate his hamstring, while Lane was spotted with his arms inside his hoodie after leaving with a wrist injury. T.J. Tampa Jr. left and wouldn’t return with a knee injury, while Marlon Humphrey would leave for a bit before returning with what appeared to be an ankle or calf injury.

If the injury news comes back positive, it adds to what was already an exciting day in Indianapolis for the Ravens. This defense was rumored to be improved and lived up to the hype today. The offensive line will take time to gel, but you hope it doesn’t take too long, as the pre-snap penalties were absolute drive killers. Ravens are 1-0, and that’s all you could hope for to begin the season.

Chad Racine

The new look Ravens lived up to the hype today in all three phases. With the exception of the first drive, they were pretty dominant.

Obviously the biggest concern is the injuries to Flowers, Lane and Tampa. With the way Flowers looked today, losing him would be a huge blow to the offense.

Defense had pressure, sacks, turnovers, tackles for loss and an all around stifling performance.  Roquan, Humphrey, Wiggins,  Robinson and others shined today.

The offense was impressive right from the start minus the penalties which have to be cleaned up. Since it’s Week 1, there’s no reason to panic yet. Outstanding performance from Zay Flowers who hopefully is back soon. Lamar was in MVP form along with Derrick Henry looking top notch with three touchdowns. For the most part the offensive line looked good and should be an upgrade from last year. Andrews needs to quit dropping the ball.

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