Ravens Defense Dominates Flacco and the Jets

The Baltimore Ravens squared off against the New York Jets on Sunday, and impressed with a dominate defensive performance that held the Jets to only nine points. In route to a 24-9 week one win for the Ravens.

After a slow start by the Ravens offense in the first quarter, newly acquired safety Marcus Williams, made his first play as a Raven intercepting Jets quarterback Joe Flacco. Returning the interception all the way to the Jets 13 yard line. The Ravens offense however failed to take advantage of the turnover, settling for a Justin Tucker 24-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead late in the first quarter.

A Greg Zuerlein missed 45-yard field goal seconds into the second quarter, kept the Jets off the board. Just two drives later the Ravens would finally break through on offense, as Jackson found wide receiver Devin Duvernay for a 25-yard touchdown with 4:41 remaining in the first half. The Jets would answer on their next possession going on an eight play 48-yard drive ending with a Zuerlein 45-yard field goal for the Jets first points of the game. The Ravens entered halftime up 10-3.

While the first half was largely one to forget for the Ravens offense. The third quarter was a different story as Jackson and the offense came to life to extend their lead. On the Ravens second drive of the second half, Jackson would again find Duvernay this time for a 17-yard touchdown, Duvernay’s second of the game. After a Jets punt on their next possession, Jackson wasted no time finding the end zone again. This time hitting Rashod Bateman in stride for a 55-yard touchdown to open the Ravens lead up to 21.

The defense continued to make life difficult for the Jets offense, forcing their second turnover of the game on the Jets next possession. Flacco found rookie running back Breece Hall out of the backfield turning up field before being stripped by Ravens safety Chuck Clark, and recovered by Marlon Humphrey.

Lamar Jackson had a respectable day through the air finishing the day 17-for-30 passing for 213 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception that came on a deep throw to Demarcus Robinson on the Ravens final offensive possession. The Jets would finally reach the end zone on their final possession. Flacco would find tight end Tyler Conklin for a three-yard score.

The Ravens defense stood up against Flacco and the Jets sacking the former Raven three times, and making the Jets go 2-of-14 on third downs.

The early concern right now is the Ravens offense, specifically in the rushing game. The Ravens rushed for only 63 yards, lead by Kenyan Drake’s 31 yards. While Dobbins will return to to the field sooner rather then later, the Ravens will need to improve their rushing attack over the next few weeks if they wish to maintain their run first mindset.

Injury Notes:

Kyle Fuller (Knee) MRI scheduled for Monday

Ju’Wuan James (Achilles) Season Ending

Game Notes:

Marcus Williams lead the Ravens defense with 12 tackles.

Mark Andrews lead all Ravens receivers with five catches.

Justin Houston recorded his 103 career sack.

The Ravens are now 11-4 all time in week one games under head coach John Harbaugh.

Rookie punter Jordan Stout had six punts with three landing inside the 20-yard line.

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