New-look Ravens blow out Dolphins: Take-home points
By Darin McCann
Final Thoughts:
• The fake punt was well-executed, and sprung Anthony Levine for a 60-yard run. It was fun, but almost uncomfortable to watch at that point. I’m guessing they were prepared for a certain look this week, and they saw it.
• Michael Pierce and Brandon Williams were very active up the middle, as was Patrick Onwuasor behind them. Pernell McPhee and Matt Judon were everywhere and Tim Williams set a play-ending edge at least two separate times I saw. The critics will say that the Ravens beat up a bad team today, and nowhere is that more true than the Miami offensive line. But the Ravens dominated them for most of the game, and that’s what you want.
• Earl Thomas and Marlon Humphrey are supposed to be the headliners of this vaunted defensive backfield, and each picked off a pass today. They were both good. DeVante Parker caught a long pass over Humphrey and Anthony Averett, but they were both in good position. Dude made a play. It happens.
• This team’s ceiling is very high, as evidenced by today. They can score from any spot of the field at any time, and they can also pound you into submission with the running game. On defense, they are fast and deep and aggressive, and Peanut might be working his way into the “star” conversation.
• They won’t all be like this, but this one was a fun way to start the season. It also helps that the Ravens had this on ice by halftime, hanging on to some parts of the offense they didn’t have to unveil in the second half. A dream start for this team.