The Ravens said this week that they wanted running back Ray Rice more involved in the offense.
They’ve followed up on that by using Rice more heavily than they did last week, but the results haven’t been much better for the offense. Rice lost a fumble and the Ravens have managed just a pair of field goals through two quarters against the Dolphins. Rice has 11 carries for 26 yards and three catches for 20 yards, but Joe Flacco is just 7-of-14 overall and the Ravens’ run-heavy attack has not pierced the Dolphins defense.
Those six points were almost enough to keep them tied, but Ryan Tannehill and Brian Hartline hooked up on two passes for 51 yards to set up a nine-yard touchdown pass to Charles Clay with 44 seconds to go in the half. That was enough to send them into the locker room with a 13-6 lead on a day that has been dominated by defense. There have been eight three-and-outs and 318 total yards between the two teams.
Linebacker Dannell Ellerbe is questionable to return after a shoulder injury, which could impact Miami’s ability to play the same level of defense for another 30 minutes. Given the Ravens’ continued issues finding momentum on offense, however, it might not turn out to be a huge issue.