The Baltimore Ravens came out firing on all cylinders against the Miami Dolphins, putting up a franchise-record 59 points in their win Sunday. Obviously, when there’s a win by such a huge margin, it’s because there were a lot of players that had a big day.
And with such a large win, there are absolutely no duds on this team this week. It’s all about the studs, so let’s break them down.
QB, Lamar Jackson
Like the man said himself, not bad for a running back.
Jackson had the best day of his young career, going 17-of-20 for 324 yards and five touchdown passes, which tied a franchise record. Jackson’s improved mechanics were on display Sunday, where he made throws that he would have missed on last season. While it came against a team that’s tanking this season, he still put up a perfect passer rating.
He’s not going to have this kind of day every week but Jackson has demonstrated he can throw the ball and his doubters will be calling him a running back at their own peril.
RB, Mark Ingram
Ingram was a dynamic force on the ground Sunday, carrying the ball 14 times for 107 yards and two touchdowns. Ingram showed off why he was the Ravens’ starting back, taking his first carry for 49 yards and he kept the big plays going from there. The threat of him on the ground opened up opportunities for Jackson to attack the Dolphins deep, something that will help the offense going forward.
TE, Mark Andrews
Andrews picked up right where he left off last season, catching all eight targets for 108 yards and a touchdown. Andrews continued to be Jackson’s favorite target with his speed and physicality and it allowed him to make several big plays against the Dolphins.
If Andrews continues to have big games like this, then he just might become the first Ravens tight end to make the Pro Bowl since Todd Heap in 2003.
WR, Marquise Brown
It doesn’t look like missing time with an injured foot is going to slow Brown down at all this season.
Brown made a statement in his first game, catching four passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns. The rookie proved to be everything that the Ravens were hoping for, demonstrating the ability to take a short pass to the end zone in addition to going deep. It’s only one game but Brown looks like he might finally be a successful draft pick for the Ravens at wide receiver.
LB, Patrick Onwuasor
The Ravens won’t miss C.J. Mosley if Onwuasor continues to play like this.
Onwuasor made a few mistakes but that’s to be somewhat expected as he gets the starting nod to lead the linebackers. Onwuasor played fast and hit really hard (just take another look at the photo of him destroying quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick). He made plays on the perimeter, tracking down ball carriers. He made plays inside, scraping down the line to find himself around the ball.
At the final whistle, Onwuasor had five tackles, two quarterback hits, a sack and a pass deflection. He’s demonstrated that he can be a playmaker, just like Mosley was.
