Ravens Lead Dolphins 14-6 at Halftime: Lamar Jackson’s Two TDs to Mark Andrews Define ‘TNF’ Showdown

Halftime Report: Lamar Jackson and Mark Andrews Dominate as Ravens Lead Dolphins 14-6

The Baltimore Ravens hold a 14-6 lead over the Miami Dolphins at the half of this critical Thursday Night Football matchup, thanks largely to the unstoppable connection between quarterback Lamar Jackson and tight end Mark Andrews.

Jackson, the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player, delivered a masterful first-half performance, finding Andrews for both of the Ravens’ touchdowns. The Dolphins, meanwhile, struggled to convert opportunities into points, settling for field goals despite moving the ball effectively at times.

This contest carries significant weight early in the 2025 season, as both teams are aggressively pursuing their third victory to establish dominance in their respective conference playoff races. The narrative heading into the locker room is clear: Baltimore’s stars are shining, while Miami is searching for answers in the red zone.

The Jackson-Andrews Connection Sets the Tone

Baltimore’s offensive strategy was executed with surgical precision, focusing heavily on exploiting mismatches in the middle of the field. The result was two scoring drives that culminated in touchdowns to their Pro Bowl tight end, Mark Andrews.

Baltimore’s Scoring Drives

The Ravens’ first touchdown drive demonstrated their ability to sustain momentum. After moving the ball methodically down the field, Jackson showcased his trademark composure under pressure, delivering a strike to Andrews in the end zone. The second touchdown was perhaps more demoralizing for Miami, coming late in the half and extending the lead just before the break.

Key Highlights of the Ravens’ Offense:

• Lamar Jackson’s Efficiency: Jackson was sharp, demonstrating excellent pocket presence and decision-making, particularly on third downs. His ability to extend plays outside the pocket kept the Dolphins’ defense guessing.
• Mark Andrews’ Reliability: Andrews proved to be Jackson’s most trusted target, converting crucial catches and displaying elite route-running against Miami’s linebackers and safeties. The two touchdowns underscore their established chemistry and red-zone threat status.
• Balanced Attack: While the passing game found the end zone, the Ravens maintained a commitment to the run, ensuring the Dolphins’ defensive front could not solely focus on stopping the pass.

Miami’s Offensive Struggles and Defensive Resilience

For the Dolphins, the first half was a tale of two halves of the field. They moved the ball well between the 20s, utilizing their speed and scheme to gain yardage, but stalled dramatically when entering the critical scoring area.

Miami’s six points came courtesy of two field goals. While these points kept the game within striking distance, the inability to punch the ball into the end zone highlights a significant red-zone efficiency problem that must be addressed by the coaching staff during the intermission. A 14-6 deficit feels manageable, but leaving eight potential points on the field is a major missed opportunity.

Defensive Performance

Despite the two touchdowns allowed, the Dolphins’ defense showed flashes of brilliance. They managed to hold the Ravens’ potent offense to just 14 points, primarily by generating pressure on Jackson outside of the two scoring plays. The defense needs to find a way to disrupt the Jackson-Andrews connection specifically, perhaps by dedicating a safety over the top of Andrews or increasing the blitz frequency on early downs.

Statistical Snapshot at the Break

While full statistics are pending, the flow of the game suggests a few key differences that led to the 8-point margin:

The stark difference in red-zone conversion rate is the single most important statistic determining the halftime score. The Ravens capitalized on every opportunity, while the Dolphins failed to do so.

Key Takeaways from the First Half

This high-stakes matchup has provided plenty of action, but the Ravens’ ability to execute when it matters most has been the deciding factor. Here are the essential points from the first 30 minutes of play:

• Lamar Jackson is in Mid-Season Form: The two-time MVP is playing with confidence and precision, demonstrating why he remains one of the league’s most dangerous offensive weapons.
• Mark Andrews is the Difference Maker: His two touchdowns account for all of Baltimore’s scoring, cementing his role as the team’s primary threat near the goal line.
• Miami’s Red Zone Woes: The Dolphins must find a way to turn long drives into seven points, not three, if they hope to overcome the deficit. This often requires better play calling or stronger execution from the quarterback and running back inside the 10-yard line.
• Defensive Adjustments Needed: Miami’s defense needs to adjust its coverage scheme to neutralize Andrews, while Baltimore must prepare for increased pressure from the Dolphins’ defensive coordinator in the second half.

Second Half Outlook: Adjustments are Critical

For the Ravens, the goal is simple: maintain the pressure and protect the lead. They will likely lean on their running game early in the third quarter to chew clock and keep the Dolphins’ explosive offense off the field.

For the Dolphins, the urgency is paramount. They will likely come out aggressively, perhaps utilizing more no-huddle offense to dictate the pace and prevent Baltimore’s defense from substituting effectively. The coaching staff must prioritize finding a running lane or a quick passing concept that guarantees a touchdown on their first red-zone trip of the third quarter.

If Miami can score a touchdown on their opening drive of the second half, the momentum of this tightly contested game will shift dramatically, setting the stage for a thrilling finish to this crucial ‘TNF’ battle.