In a dull meeting dominated by defenses, the Colts are full of confidence from a big player in the conference.
Baltimore Ravens (2-1) – Indianapolis Colts (2-1): 19-22
Lamar Jackson transformed into a fireworks player in the first two games of the season, we could expect a new festival of points against a Colts defense that had been rather doubtful so far. Especially since the Ravens defensive squad was rather convincing, under the leadership of an ever more inventive Mike Macdonald. Enough to grant themselves time of possession largely in their favor? Nope.
That Gardner Minshew (27/44, 227 yards, 1 TD), taking over from Anthony Richardson, showed sobriety in his ambitions therefore came as no surprise. That the Baltimore attack, so flamboyant a week earlier, finds itself muzzled, a little more.
You definitely shouldn’t miss the first minutes of the meeting to get your dose of entertainment. Jackson’s first series (5/5, 45 yards, 4 races, 26 yards, 1 TD) augured well for a great show.
.@Lj_era8 doing his thing. 😈
📺: #INDvsBAL on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/UQdQ05hqXN pic.twitter.com/J1mTtfKWwD— NFL (@NFL) September 24, 2023
But afterward… Nothing or almost nothing. Otherwise for fans of well-organized defenses, like Samson Ebukam (4 tackles, including 2 for loss, 1 sack) and Kyle Hamilton (9 tackles, including 2 for loss, 3 sacks), at the party.
Kicker duel
Even the fake pass poorly controlled by Jackson and recovered by the Colts 17 yards from the end goal only resulted in three small points for Indianapolis. More parsimonious in the air, although rather clean news (22/31, 202 yards, 14 races, 101 yards, 2 touchdowns), the Ravens quarterback split some races of which he has the secret for the rest of us in search of a diversion.
Besides a final confusing ride from Jackson on 3&6the special teams exchanged pleasantries until overtime, with Justin Tucker narrowly missing the game-winner from 61 yards.
Three minutes from the end of an endless overtime and well helped by a gross missed pass interferencethe Colts recovered the ball at midfield and provided the essential to put Matt Gay (5/5) in scoring position. Enough to return to Indiana with great reasons for satisfaction on the defensive level, to find Anthony Richardson shortly.
