The Baltimore Ravens provided further evidence that they’re on the way back – if not quite yet all the way back – by putting a 28-6 beatdown on the sinking Miami Dolphins on Thursday night in the first game of Week 9.
Baltimore QB Lamar Jackson certainly appeared to be restored to full strength, playing for the first time in more than a month since he injured a hamstring in Week 4 at Kansas City. His presence and incomparable ability seemed to further stabilize a team that finally seems to be recovered from what had been a season-long tailspin.
As for the Fins? Yep, per usual, the winners and losers extended well beyond what was evident on the scoreboard, so let’s unpack the subsets:
After he was surprisingly inactive Sunday against the Chicago Bears, the two-time league MVP and South Florida native was predictably dominant against the Dolphins, a team he historically shreds. Jackson passed for 204 yards, connecting on nine consecutive throws in the second half at one point, and four touchdowns and looked plenty spry while doing it even if he didn't have to leave the pocket much. With a 143.2 passer rating Thursday, Jackson has gone 140+ in four of his five outings against Miami.
Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar combined for seven receptions, 105 yards and three TD grabs, Andrews collecting two of them. It’s a dangerous group when they and Jackson are firing on all cylinders – and you can officially dispense with the notion that Andrews might be moved ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline.
