After a relatively slow first half, the Baltimore Ravens offense found pay-dirt early in the second half — just three plays in, actually.
With the Buffalo Bills’ defense selling out to stop the Ravens’ rushing attack, tight end Hayden Hurst was able to get wide open. Hurst slipped beyond the defense where quarterback Lamar Jackson found him wide open and with open field in front of him. 61 yards later and Baltimore extended their lead over Buffalo.
The Ravens’ pick-your-poison offensive scheme is largely the reason for this play’s success. You can see the linebackers keeping their eyes in the backfield, either waiting for Jackson to run or for a delayed handoff. Hurst ends up being completely forgotten in coverage, allowing him to get open.
This was Hurst’s longest passing play of his short career. With fellow tight end Mark Andrews doubtful to return with a knee injury, Hurst and Nick Boyle have stepped up to help fill the void. Though Baltimore’s offense hasn’t had the best game thus far, Hurst’s quick touchdown could be the thing that gets the Ravens over the Bills this week.
