Ravens defeat Colts 41-23 as Henry scores three touchdowns in Minter debut
Derrick Henry rushed for three scores to move into third on the NFL's all-time rushing touchdown list as Baltimore opened its season with a road win in Indianapolis.
Fast start under a new coaching staff
The Baltimore Ravens opened the regular season with a 41-23 road victory over the Indianapolis Colts. The game marked the head coaching debut of Jesse Minter, Baltimore's first new head coach in 19 years, alongside 30-year-old offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. Baltimore scored touchdowns on four of its first five possessions and ran 15 of its first 17 plays in Indianapolis territory. Lamar Jackson completed 17 of 25 passes for 324 yards and a touchdown while adding a 5-yard rushing score. Zay Flowers caught five passes for 150 yards in the first half, including a 54-yard touchdown reception where he began aligned in the backfield. Baltimore led 31-13 at halftime after Tyler Loop kicked a 57-yard field goal, the fifth time in team history Baltimore scored 31 or more first-half points.
It's surreal a little bit, honestly. I don't know if it's actually hit me. It's a blessing to be where I'm at. There's such appreciation that we have to the organization that gave us this opportunity. Having my dad on the sideline at the end, that was a really special moment.
Henry enters third on career rushing list
Running back Derrick Henry carried 24 times for 144 yards and three touchdowns, securing his 56th career 100-yard game. Henry scored on runs of 4, 32, and 3 yards, reaching 125 career rushing touchdowns to pass Marcus Allen for third on the NFL's all-time list. Jonathan Taylor led Indianapolis with 19 carries for 98 yards and two touchdowns, scoring from 1 yard out on the opening drive and from 3 yards late in the second quarter. Baltimore improved to 13-6 in season openers since 2008, scoring at least 20 points in its tenth consecutive opener.
- Jonathan Taylor scores on a 1-yard touchdown run
- Lamar Jackson rushes for a 5-yard touchdown
- Derrick Henry scores on a 4-yard run to make it 14-6
- Zay Flowers catches a 54-yard touchdown pass
- Derrick Henry extends the lead to 28-6 with a 32-yard run
- Jonathan Taylor scores on a 3-yard run for Indianapolis
- Tyler Loop converts a 57-yard field goal to make it 31-13
- Spencer Shrader kicks a 58-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 31-16
- Derrick Henry seals the win with a 3-yard touchdown run
- Derrick Henry
- 144 yards
- Jonathan Taylor
- 98 yards
Colts offense falters after opening drive
Indianapolis lost its 11th opener in 13 years as Daniel Jones struggled in his return from a torn right Achilles tendon suffered in December. Jones completed 19 of 31 passes for 166 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Baltimore's defense held the Colts to 112 yards in the first half and 251 overall, forcing two turnovers, including a lost fumble by Taylor. Spencer Shrader made a 58-yard field goal in the third quarter to pull Indianapolis within 31-16 before Henry's third touchdown sealed the outcome. Jones addressed the offensive performance after the defeat:
Obviously, didn't play well enough on offense. Didn't move the ball well, didn't score, didn't take care of (the ball). A lot of things we set out to do every game, we didn't accomplish. So, I think, a lot to learn from and grow from here.
Roster attrition at wide receiver
The Ravens sustained several injuries during the win. Flowers did not play in the second half because of a hamstring injury, and Ja'Kobi Lane exited with a wrist injury, leaving Baltimore with three active wide receivers. Cornerback T.J. Tampa Jr. left with a knee injury in the first quarter, while cornerback Marlon Humphrey briefly departed in the fourth quarter with an apparent right leg ailment. Baltimore hosts New Orleans in Week 2, while Indianapolis visits Kansas City.
