Key Takeaways(TL;DR):
- Ravens beat Dolphins 31–17 in a dominant Thursday Night Football performance.
- Lamar Jackson shines with 3 total touchdowns and confident command of the offense.
- Tua Tagovailoa struggles again against a top defense with costly turnovers.
- Baltimore’s defense stifles Miami’s speed heavy attack.
- Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews deliver strong fantasy performances.
- Dolphins drop to 5–4 and questions grow about their big game toughness.
The Baltimore Ravens took care of business on Thursday night, defeating the Miami Dolphins in a statement win that reminded everyone why Lamar Jackson remains one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers. Jackson threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, leading the Ravens to a 31–17 victory in Week 9’s primetime clash.
The night started promisingly for Miami, with a quick strike from Tua Tagovailoa to Tyreek Hill that put them ahead early. But from there, it was all Baltimore. The Ravens’ defense tightened up, forcing turnovers and keeping Tua uncomfortable in the pocket. The Dolphins, known for their speed and rhythm, simply couldn’t find their groove against Baltimore’s disciplined coverage schemes.
“When Miami’s speed hits a wall, what’s left?”
Lamar Jackson’s dual threat ability was once again the difference maker. His improvisation on broken plays frustrated Miami’s defense all night, and his chemistry with Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews continues to grow. Jackson’s poise, especially on third downs, showcased the maturity in his game this season.
“Is Lamar finally playing the best football of his career?”
On the other sideline, Tua Tagovailoa’s struggles are becoming a pattern. The Dolphins’ quarterback finished with multiple turnovers and missed key throws in crucial moments. The offensive line didn’t help much either, allowing consistent pressure that threw off timing and confidence.
“Is it time to start worrying about Miami’s ability to beat elite teams?”
Fantasy football managers saw plenty of action, as Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews rewarded their owners, while Tyreek Hill salvaged his night with a late touchdown. Running backs, however, were mostly quiet as both defenses prioritized stopping the run.
In the bigger picture, this win moves Baltimore to 7–2, keeping them firmly in AFC contention and showing that their balance on both sides of the ball is no fluke. For Miami, now 5–4, it’s another frustrating loss against a top tier opponent and more questions than answers heading into the back half of the season.
“Contenders win ugly. Pretenders blame the weather.”