Flacco hurt in Ravens’ romp
Quarterback suffers a concussion, but 40-0 win over Dolphins is most lopsided shutout in team history.
BALTIMORE — Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco was dazed and bleeding as he was helped off the field.
Diagnosed with a concussion after absorbing a late hit by Miami linebacker Kiko Alonso late in the second quarter, Flacco was taken to the locker room and did not return.
Fortunately for the Ravens, they didn’t need him in a 40-0 rout of the Dolphins on Thursday night.
Alex Collins ran for a career-high 113 yards, and Baltimore (4-4) returned two interceptions for touchdowns in the most lopsided shutout in franchise history.
In the midst of one of his best performances of the season, Flacco was hit high by Alonso while sliding at the end of an impromptu run. Flacco’s helmet flew off his head, and the 10-year quarterback appeared wobbly as he struggled to his feet.
Alonso was flagged for unnecessary roughness, providing Baltimore with a first down that ultimately turned into a touchdown.
Flacco was initially placed in concussion protocol, and by halftime was ruled out.
“Joe had a concussion and a cut ear,” coach John Harbaugh said. “They were stitching it up without any anesthesia, so he’s a tough dude. That’s as much as I know.”
Flacco completed 10 for 15 for 101 yards, including a 34yard touchdown pass to Jeremy Maclin.
After losing four of five to fall under .500 for the first time this season, the Ravens put it all together with a showing that included a 63yard interception return by C.J. Mosley and a 50-yard pick-six by Jimmy Smith.
“We coached a lot better, obviously. And we played a lot better,” Harbaugh said. “It was just a much better game for us.”
The Dolphins (4-3) gained only 196 yards against a swarming defense and had their three-game winning streak come to an end.