Week 9 NFL, Ravens Vs. Dolphins: Baltimore Takes 13-10 Lead Into Halftime

After the host Baltimore Ravens and the visiting Miami Dolphins scored touchdowns on their opening offensive possessions, the defenses and general sloppiness took over, with the Ravens securing a 13-10 lead at the half.

The lead might have been bigger for Baltimore. Billy Cundiff capped off the Ravens’ second offensive possession with a 26-yard field goal, and the Dolphins followed that score up by promptly turning the ball over, as Chad Henne threw a pick straight to Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb.

Set up deep in Miami territory, however, Baltimore bumbled their way to zero points, allowing Joe Flacco to get sacked twice, taking a delay of game penalty, and eventually blowing a field goal attempt by muffing the snap. Miami, however, was not able to satisfactorily re-capture the momentum Baltimore left on the table, with the teams exchanging field goals from that point to close out the half.

Flacco has completed 8 of 11 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown (to running back Willis McGahee), but has also been sacked three times - twice by stud outside linebacker Cameron Wake. Miami’s offense has been keyed by Ronnie Brown (7 carries, 47 yards, 1 TD) and Brian Hartline (3 catches, 51 yards), but the Henne interception and a myriad of penalties by both sides have kept this game relatively sloppy after each team’s fast start.

Miami will open the second half with the ball, looking to move to 5-0 on the road this season. Baltimore, fresh off of its bye week, is looking to extend its home record to 4-0.