The Baltimore Ravens delivered a statement victory in Week 9, securing a commanding 28-6 rout over the Miami Dolphins. The game was a comprehensive beatdown, dictated primarily by a stellar Ravens defense that forced two critical turnovers and an efficient offense, masterfully piloted by Lamar Jackson, who connected with his favorite target, tight end Mark Andrews, for two touchdowns.

The victory, which moves the Ravens to a 3-5 record, exposed significant cracks in the Miami Dolphins’ highly-touted offense, dropping them to 2-6 and raising serious questions about their ability to execute against top-tier competition.

Jackson and Andrews: The Perfect Connection

The Ravens’ offense was characterized by its surgical efficiency, particularly in the red zone, largely thanks to the unstoppable connection between Lamar Jackson and Mark Andrews.

• First Quarter Breakthrough: The first touchdown of the game came on a fourth-and-goal scenario. Jackson, under pressure, found Andrews on the back line of the end zone for the score, converting a risky play-action pass into six points. The commentary highlighted how Jackson’s movement draws the defense’s attention away, allowing Andrews to slip open for the score.
• Second Quarter Duplication: The pair connected again for their second touchdown early in the second quarter. This time, the play was drawn up perfectly, exploiting a coverage mesh route where two defenders ran directly into each other, leaving Andrews wide open for an easy 20-yard score. The announcer noted that this play, which Andrews called the “coverage mesh route,” was the ideal scenario for the Ravens’ offensive design.

Jackson’s performance was clean and controlled, utilizing his “Swiss Army knife” running back, Derrick Henry, and making plays with his legs when necessary. He finished the half with a long scramble and throw to Isaiah Likely, demonstrating his ability to extend plays and generate yardage out of nothing.

Miami’s Turnovers and Defensive Struggles

The Dolphins’ day was marred by sloppy execution and a frustrating inability to finish drives, a failure the Ravens’ defense was eager to capitalize on.

• First Turnover (Forced Fumble): Miami’s first promising drive, after a nice catch by Jalen Waddle and a first-down catch by Kwamie Lassiter, ended abruptly on the Ravens’ 19-yard line. Veteran cornerback Alohi Gilman, recently acquired in a trade, knocked the ball loose before Lassiter could secure the catch, resulting in a crucial turnover recovered by the Ravens at the 6-yard line.
• Failed Field Goal and Missed Opportunities: Despite moving the ball effectively with runs by Achane and fullback Alec Ingold, the Dolphins were forced to settle for a field goal early in the game, and kicker Jason Sanders missed a 43-yard attempt, adding to the team’s early frustration.
• Rookie Pick-Six Seals the Game: The final, most definitive blow came in the fourth quarter when rookie first-round pick, safety Makai Starks, intercepted a deep pass downfield from Tua Tagovailoa. Starks showcased impressive “corner skills” and “ball skills” by timing his leap to catch the 50-yard pass. Although an illegal blindside block on the return negated the touchdown, the interception effectively sealed the game and highlighted the rookie’s significant talent.

The Ravens’ defensive front consistently pressured Tagovailoa, leading to a sack by Chubb and Jones in the second quarter and another in the third, disrupting the Dolphins’ attempts to find a rhythm.

Final Score

The Baltimore Ravens’ dominance, driven by their defensive pressure and opportunistic offense, secured the 28-6 victory over the Miami Dolphins. The game was summed up as “pretty much a beatdown,” with Miami ultimately doing “themselves in” with the two critical turnovers. The Ravens’ win improves their record to 3-5, while the Dolphins fall to 2-6 on the season.