Ravens' Jesse Minter Shows Big Self-Awareness Despite Win

The Baltimore Ravens kicked off the new era under head coach Jesse Minter in a big way, as the team handily beat the Indianapolis Colts with a final score of 41-23. 

Following the win, Minter took the podium to recap the win, while showing some big self-awareness on his coaching.

Baltimore initially struggled when the Colts took the field and attacked the middle of the field with wide receiver Josh Downs, en route to a quick touchdown drive that only took 4:27 off the clock.

The Ravens would answer right back with a huge kickoff return for 42 yards from wide receiver Chris Moore, along with a 49-yard catch-and-run link-up between quarterback Lamar Jackson and wide receiver Zay Flowers.

The result of the quick drive saw the Ravens take the 7-6 lead in less than three minutes. However, it was the opening drive from the Colts that saw Minter take the blame for not doing a good enough job.

Minter spoke about needing to coach better, while praising how fast the offense started.

"Our offense started off on fire. Uh, Declan Doyle did an amazing job. Lamar, all the guys, Derek Henry, our offensive line, Zay Flowers. Um, defensively, you know, I thought I didn't do a great job on the first drive. Had us on our heels a little bit, and then I felt like we really settled in on defense," Minter said.

Minter could have easily brushed off that first drive as potentially being early jitters for the team, but he chose to take the blame himself for not getting the defense in the right shape to stop the Colts from marching downfield.

Another aspect of Minter's gameplan was something the Ravens may not have had in previous years, or rather they ran into a problem that has often kept the team from winning big games.

Baltimore has dropped many leads, so much so that cornerback Marlon Humphrey likened the team's penchant for blowing leads to their "Achilles heel." However, the corner said the Ravens' head coach told the team to "pour it on," following halftime. 

"We came in at halftime, and he wanted to continue to pour it on," cornerback Marlon Humphrey said. "I think, obviously in the past maybe two seasons, that's kind of been our Achilles heel of having a lead and not being able to –defensively – keep the lead, so that's been a major thing."

The third quarter was a bit slow for both teams, as the Baltimore offense's two drives resulted in two punts. However, things got cooking again in the fourth, as Jackson fired a 53-yard bomb to Chris Moore, which set up a third rushing touchdown for running back Derrick Henry.

Despite it only being Week 1, the Ravens showed a lot of grit on both sides of the ball, in what could have been a tough game had they let the opening drive impact their morale. 

This was even more impressive considering the offense lost both Flowers and rookie receiver Ja'Kobi Lane and cornerback T.J. Tampa to injuries. Despite playing a strong team in the Colts, Baltimore got it done, leaving Minter with a bit of a surreal feeling.

"It's surreal a little bit, honestly. I don't know if it has actually hit me yet," Minter said.