Takeaways and observations from first half of Ravens vs. Bills in Week 4
Baltimore played with a sense of urgency. On a night when Darkness was celebrated, the Ravens jumped out to a 21-3 lead, and it looked like they’d regained their mojo in a dominant first half against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium.
We’re looking at takeaways from a dominant Ravens first half.
Patrick Mekari got the start at left guard
Sep 29, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) carries the ball en route to a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
With Andrew Vorhees out with an injury, Mekari got the start at left guard, and Baltimore looked stout upfront rushing for 146 yards in the first half.
Ravens changing of the guard
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Nate Wiggins #2 of the Baltimore Ravens breaks up a pass intended for Keon Coleman #0 of the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Marlon Humphrey may have played more snaps overall, but Nate Wiggins was the outside cornerback for the second game in a row while Humphrey was in the slot. Baltimore’s criticized secondary held Josh Allen to 9-16 passing for 42 yards in the first half.
Derrick Henry dominating
Sep 29, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) carries the ball en route to a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Henry has two touchdowns on the night, and the longest rushing touchdown in Ravens history. The conversations about how Baltimore will utilize the running back should dissipate after this one.
Henry had nine carries for 109 yards and one rushing touchdown, while he also had two catches for nine yards and a score.
Lamar Jackson
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens warms up prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Jackson was 11-13 for 135 yards and two passing touchdowns. Jackson had a 149.5 rating and also logged four carries for 26 yards on the night.
Josh Allen
Sep 29, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) throws form the pocket during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Josh Allen was 9-16 passing for 42 yards in the first half. Allen also carried the football five times for 21 yards.
Bills rushing attack
Sep 29, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) carries the ball as Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (14) defends during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Buffalo had 55 yards rushing in the first half, as James Cook was held to five carries for 27 yards.
Mark Andrews-Isaiah Likely
Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (80) runs the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Andrews had a costly drop, while Likely hauled in a 26 yard reception.
Justice HIll
Sep 29, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (43) celebrates after scoring a second quarter touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Hill signed a two year extension, and logged one carry for 11 yards, and four catches for 57 yards and one touchdown.
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Kyle Van Noy
Sep 29, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) prepares to pass the ball under pressure from Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy (53) during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Van Noy logged his fifth sack in the past 2 1/2 games, and the veteran linebacker logged three quarterback hits.