INDIANAPOLIS — The Baltimore Ravens exploded for 31 first-half points en route to a 41-23 win against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday in coach Jesse Minter’s debut.The Ravens scored touchdowns on four of their first five possessions, as 30-year-old offensive coordinator Declan Doyle torched the Colts’ defense in his first game as a play caller. Wide receiver Zay Flowers led the way for Baltimore in the opening two quarters (five receptions for a career-high 150 yards and a touchdown) before exiting with a hamstring injury before halftime.Indianapolis also could not find an answer for running back Derrick Henry, who rumbled for 144 yards and three scores — passing Marcus Allen for third in NFL history in career rushing touchdowns with 125.Indianapolis quarterback Daniel Jones got off to a near-perfect start in his return from a torn Achilles, marching the Colts down the field for an opening-drive touchdown. It was largely a struggle from there: Jones finished 19-for-31 passing for 166 yards, one touchdown and one interception.What stood out most about Declan Doyle’s offense in his debut?Doyle was certainly aggressive and had some interesting wrinkles. On Flowers’ 54-yard touchdown catch, the wide receiver started the play lined up in the backfield. On the Ravens’ first touchdown, a five-yard Jackson run, Doyle had a left tackle lined up on the right side, with pass-catching tight end Mark Andrews in a blocking position. Doyle utilized “11” personnel more frequently than his predecessor. Jackson was also lined up under center far more often. The general theme, though, is Doyle hunting explosive plays and Jackson looking plenty comfortable in running the show. — Jeff Zrebiec, Ravens beat writerWhere do the Ravens turn after losing two WRs to injuries?This is a big concern coming out of this game for the Ravens. They were already relatively thin at the position heading into this season, and then they lost Flowers (hamstring) and Ja’Kobi Lane (wrist) to injuries. By game’s end, they had only three wide receivers left: Rashod Bateman, return specialist LaJohntay Wester and veteran Chris Moore, who was elevated from the practice squad for the game primarily to provide special teams help. Wide receiver Devontez Walker (groin) is nearing a return, and the Ravens could move rookie fourth-round pick Elijah Surratt into the lineup, but neither of them started the season as top three receivers like Flowers and Lane were. If both Flowers and Lane are headed for lengthy absences, the Ravens may have to bring somebody in, but right now, they probably have enough in-house to get by for a few weeks. — ZrebiecWhat did we learn about Jesse Minter in his first game as a head coach?A telling sequence came in the second quarter when the Ravens, already leading 14-6, faced a fourth-and-goal from the 3-yard line. Minter decided to go for it. The Ravens didn’t convert, but that was a show of faith in the offense and probably a testament to the attacking, aggressive style Minter wants to be known for. Minter has plenty to fix. The Ravens had a big turnover that got the Colts back in the game in the second quarter, and Baltimore was prone to penalties, particularly on offense. The Ravens’ defense also didn’t close the game as forcefully as Minter probably would have liked. However, I think you saw the type of aggressive, dangerous team that Minter wants them to be. — Zrebiec
Ravens, Lamar Jackson overwhelm the Colts in Jesse Minter’s impressive debut
Jackson passed for over 300 yards and Derrick Henry rushed for three touchdowns as Baltimore routed Indianapolis in the season opener.











