Ravens Crush Dolphins 28-6 in Halloween Eve Masterclass

On a ghostly Halloween eve in Miami, the Baltimore Ravens (6-1 entering the game) provided an impressive spectacle for their fans by achieving a resounding 28-6 victory over the beleaguered Miami Dolphins (2-6 entering the game). The Ravens approached the matchup as genuine Super Bowl contenders, intent on strengthening their position in the AFC standings, whereas the Dolphins desperately sought a win to keep their faint playoff aspirations alive following their recent 34-10 triumph over Atlanta.

First Quarter: Ravens Strike First Blood

The game commenced with Miami displaying some initial promise. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa successfully connected with star receiver Jaylen Waddle for a 20-yard gain, while running back De'Von Achane impressed with his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. The Dolphins managed to push deep into Ravens territory, ultimately executing a 49-yard field goal to seize an early 3-0 advantage.

However, Baltimore's championship experience quickly came to the forefront. A vital fumble committed by the Dolphins provided the Ravens with prime field position close to the goal line. Derrick Henry, the 31-year-old powerhouse who continues to defy the limitations of age, bulldozed his way down to the one-yard line. Lamar Jackson then connected with his dependable tight end Mark Andrews for a two-yard touchdown pass. By the end of the first quarter, the Ravens held a 7-3 lead, establishing the tone for what would become a challenging night for Miami.

Second Quarter: Jackson and Andrews Connect Again

The second quarter was dominated by the formidable partnership of Jackson and Andrews. After Henry powered his way to the 20-yard line using his trademark bruising running style, Jackson delivered a flawless 20-yard touchdown strike to Andrews. This marked Andrews' return to his Pro Bowl form after facing struggles during the 2024 season.

Miami managed to land one additional field goal, a 43-yarder, but was unable to find the end zone despite some commendable efforts from Waddle, who caught several passes for substantial yardage. The Ravens entered halftime with a commanding 14-6 lead, with Jackson demonstrating efficiency and Henry firmly controlling the ground attack.

Third Quarter: Ravens Pull Away

Baltimore transformed the contest into a rout during the third quarter. Jackson highlighted his dual-threat capability with a 13-yard scrambling run, and subsequently connected with his favorite target, Zay Flowers, for an impressive 39-yard deep throw. The drive concluded with Jackson finding Rashod Bateman for a nine-yard touchdown pass, thereby extending the Ravens' advantage to 21-6.

In stark contrast, Miami's offense completely faltered. Tagovailoa endured relentless pressure from the Ravens' defensive unit and struggled to establish any semblance of rhythm. The Dolphins secured only one first down throughout the entire quarter, underscoring the considerable distance they still need to cover despite recent improvements.

Fourth Quarter: Ravens Cruise to Victory

The final quarter primarily centered on Baltimore's management of the clock. Henry sustained his superb performance, concluding the game with 119 rushing yards over 19 carries, thereby dispelling any concerns regarding his age. Jackson completed 18 of 23 passes for 204 yards and four touchdown passes, showcasing yet another MVP-worthy performance.

Tagovailoa threw an interception that ultimately sealed Miami's fate, finishing with 261 yards passing yet failing to find the end zone. Waddle caught six passes for 82 yards, while Achane contributed 67 rushing yards and 39 receiving yards, showcasing another commendable dual-threat performance.

Looking Ahead

This victory elevates Baltimore's record to 7-2, fortifying their status at the pinnacle of the AFC standings. The Ravens' blend of Jackson's playmaking ability, Henry's powerful running, and a defense proficient in creating timely turnovers positions them as the AFC's most complete team.

For Miami, this defeat lowers them to 2-7, casting a significant shadow over their playoff ambitions. Although Tagovailoa has recently performed strongly and Waddle has emerged as a legitimate primary receiver, substantial enhancements are necessary on both sides of the field.

Both teams will aim to recalibrate as they prepare for their upcoming challenges, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating conclusion to the 2025 season.