Oct 12, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Michael Campanaro (15) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Flaccoset a career high for touchdown passes in just sixteen minutes of gameplay. Needless to say, Flacco’s performance led the Baltimore Ravens to a big 48-17 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Beleaguered wide receiverTorrey Smithopened the scoring for the Ravens, scoring two consecutive touchdowns on slant patterns. A 52-yard run byJustin Forsetthelped set up Torrey’s first touchdown, while aJimmy Smithinterception gave the Ravens great field position on the second.
A great first half defensively consistently gave the Ravens great field position. The Ravens started their third drive at the 50-yard line, finishing the drive with aKamar Aikentouchdown grab.
On their final drive of the first quarter, the Ravens managed to yet again drive down the field, fueled by a 30-yard reception byOwen Daniels.Michael Campanarofinished the drive with the first touchdown catch of his career.
Joe Flacco would throw his fifth touchdown just one minute into the second quarter, a 56-yard strike toSteve Smith.
By that point, the game was already won, and the Ravens coasted to victory.Bernard Piercewould score the Ravens’ final touchdown on the day, a four-yard run.Justin Tuckeralso managed two field goals.
Aside from Flacco’s remarkable performance, in which he finished 21-of-29 for 305 yards and five touchdowns, the story for the Ravens was their dominant pass rush. The Ravens racked up five sacks and many more pressures, rattlingMike Glennonand completely shutting down the Buccaneers’ offense in the first half.
The Buccaneers managed to produce some offense in garbage time, as Glennon actually threw for more yards than Flacco, but their stats were empty in the loss.
The obvious MVP of the game was Joe Flacco, who was incredibly sharp in all phases. His throws into traffic were on the money, and his deep balls consistently hit his receivers in stride en route to one of the best games of his career.
The Ravens will play host to the Atlanta Falcons at home next week, an always interesting matchup between the top-two quarterbacks draft in 2008. The Bucs, meanwhile, will have a bye week to try to regroup from the embarrassing loss.
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