OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) -Ray Lewis has waited more than a decade for the Baltimore Ravens’ offense to lend ample support to a defense that has long provided the team with its identity.
This could be the year.
Baltimore compiled a franchise-record 501 yards Sunday in a season-opening 38-24 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Second-year quarterback Joe Flacco set career highs in completions (26), attempts (43), yards passing (307) and touchdown throws (three).
“It was a lot of fun,” tight end Todd Heap, who had five catches, said Monday. “I think most of all, the fans appreciated it and enjoyed it.”
The defense loved it, too.
“We have a heck of an offensive line right now, a quarterback who’s really growing up, and a three-headed monster at running back. Anytime you’ve got that, you have a chance to really control the ball,” said Lewis, who had six tackles from his middle linebacker spot.
Baltimore ran 90 plays and held the ball for nearly 40 minutes.
drives and we can get a rest,” safety Ed Reed said.
“The defense appreciated the offense moving the ball and scoring points and keeping them off the field,” coach John Harbaugh said, “and the offense appreciated all the three-and-outs. You get 90 plays on offense and you go 47 plays on defense, that’s what you’re looking for.”
With Lewis leading the way, the defense was exceptional for three quarters before tailing off. It didn’t matter, though, because the offense produced three touchdowns in the final 8:10 to help the Ravens pull away.
“Scoring 21 points in the fourth quarter said it all,” Heap said.
The statistics from one game doesn’t necessarily mean Baltimore has reversed its reputation as a defensive team. But it shows that the offense has the potential to make a name for itself, too.
“That definitely the goal,” Heap said. “We want to put our offense on the map. Coming into this year we set a lot of goals offensively, and we’re doing everything we can to reach those goals. I think there were quite a few of them we were able to attain; now it’s a matter of going out and doing it week in and week out.”
(108 yards) and Willis McGahee (44 yards and a TD).
Heap and Mark Clayton each had five catches, Derrick Mason and McGahee had four apiece and Kelly Washington had three receptions for 43 yards. Even fullback Le’Ron McClain had three catches for 23 yards.
“Probably the most fun was spreading the ball around, seeing how many guys could touch the football,” Heap said. “That way, the defense can’t key on anyone. They can’t sit back there and say, ‘They’re going to one of two guys.’
“Sometimes it’s been like that around here,” Heap acknowledged. “But it’s not like that anymore.”
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