The Ravens visited the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday after a devastating loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last week. Baltimore came out successful, ending the game 24-10.
Both offenses began with a dud with 3 and outs. The Colts scored on a 1-yard run by running back Jonathan Taylor in the middle of the first quarter. With the first quarter winding down, the defense forced yet another turnover. Cornerback Marcus Peters forced a fumble on a run by Taylor, allowing Clark to pick up the ball and run for 65 yards for a touchdown. This tied the game as the first quarter expired with a Colts possession.
The second quarter began with some unremarkable drives with neither team scoring. Baltimore failed to even cross into Indianapolis territory for the entire quarter. The Colts managed to score a field goal in the last minute from a 43-yard kick by Rodrigo Blankenship. The Ravens failed to even attempt a last-minute drive as they were forced to punt to the Colts to end the half down 10-7.
The Ravens opened the second half with a rough start, something not seen from the dominant Ravens offense this year. On the opening drive, running back Gus Edwards cost the Ravens a possession with a fumble recovered by the Colts. However, on the next play, Peters made another huge play with an interception from quarterback Phillip Rivers that needed to be overturned to confirm. Then, the offense finally began to turn around. The Ravens took advantage with a captivating 54-yard drive highlighted by a 1-yard run by Gus Edwards to take a 14-10 lead. Baltimore ended the quarter maintaining that lead and looking to expand upon it as they strike into Indianapolis territory.
Baltimore capitalized on their drive at the start of the quarter with a 9-yard rush from Lamar Jackson to go up 21-10 with 11 minutes left. The Colts then attempted to mount a comeback but failed to convert on downs at the Baltimore 16. After another punt from the Ravens, Indianapolis tried the same tactic again, but they also fell short at their own 36. Taking advantage of the position, the Ravens nailed a 48-yard field goal to take a 24-10 lead with just two minutes to go. Trying to go for a miracle comeback, the Colts drove the ball to the Baltimore 20, but it was too little too late as the game clock expired. The Ravens shut down the Colts in the second half thanks to a dominating performance on the defensive end.
Wide receiver Dez Bryant suited up for today’s game after signing with the Ravens on October 27. Today marked the first time since Dec. 31, 2017 that he had played a game. Although he was active, Bryant played on 2 snaps and did not receive any catches.
The Ravens now stand with a 6-2 record halfway through the season, and they appear strong as they strive for a deep playoff run this year. While the Steelers still lead the division, the Ravens seem almost certain to gain a playoff spot in the AFC and are a strong team all around.
Featured Image courtesy of Kyle via Flickr Creative Commons
