Baltimore Ravens vs Indianapolis Colts Preseason Week 1: Key Takeaways and Standout Performances
Baltimore Ravens defeat Indianapolis Colts - 2025 Preseason Week 1
Keaton Mitchell, whose reliability and consistency have been questioned, saw his stock rise after this game. Mitchell showed promise midway through his rookie season, displaying speed and explosiveness while racking up 396 yards and two touchdowns on 47 carries. A devastating knee injury then ended his season early and sidelined him for most of 2024. When he returned late last season, he did not look like himself, as evident on the stat sheet. In the final two games, he totaled just 30 yards on 15 carries. On Saturday, Mitchell proved he is back, finishing with nine carries for 68 yards, including a 22-yard touchdown that earned him player of the game honors.
“Keaton's one of those guys that's obviously got that ability to take it to the house at any time,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said, glowing about Mitchell’s ability to bounce back. “You can bounce it to the edge. You can cut it back. He's good in the pass game, and then also establishing the fact that you'll run the ball between the tackles. I think he's doing that, too. And that's really important. You don't want to be the guy that they say, 'Oh, he is an outside run game guy,' right? You want to make him play between the tackles, too. That's something, too, that I know he is very focused on.”
Ravens fans were eager to see their rookies perform, and they didn’t disappoint. Outside linebacker Mike Green showed serious promise, recording several quarterback pressures, including one that nearly forced Anthony Richardson into an interception on the Colts’ opening drive. Wide receiver Lahjontay Wester flashed his South Florida speed with an 87-yard punt return for a touchdown in the first quarter. Wester also led the Ravens in receiving with two catches for 41 yards, including a 30-yard grab that was the longest reception for either team.
Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson left the game in the first quarter with a dislocated pinky finger, but it appears he will not miss significant time. Before exiting, Richardson completed two of three passes for 21 yards. Daniel Jones went 10-for-21 for 144 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. The Richardson-Jones matchup remains one of the most talked-about and exciting quarterback battles in the NFL.
The preseason opener gave fans a look at what’s ahead as both teams tried out new players. The Ravens showed promise with strong plays from rookies and key players. The Colts will work to improve as their quarterback battle intensifies.