East Rutherford, NJ (Sports Network) – Joe Flacco led an adequate pass attack with 248 yards, and the Baltimore Ravens won a defensive battle with the New York Jets, 10-9, to open up the 2010 schedule for both clubs at New Meadowlands Stadium.
Flacco completed 20-of-38 passes and threw an interception for the Ravens (1-0), who have high expectations this season after a loss to the Colts in the divisional playoffs a year ago. New acquisition Anquan Boldin hauled in seven passes for 110 yards, while Todd Heap added six catches for 72 yards.
Willis McGahee scored the game’s lone touchdown, while Ray Rice added 43 yards on the ground.
The story of the game was the Ravens’ defense, which wasn’t nearly as hyped as their top-ranked counterparts in New York. Baltimore held an anemic Jets offense to just 176 yards, including only 60 through the air.
Mark Sanchez was highly ineffective when given the opportunity for the Jets (0-1), throwing for 74 yards on 10-of-21 passing. New York, which went through the “Hard Knocks” series on HBO earlier this summer, was billed by many to be a Super Bowl contender after a surprise run to the AFC Championship Game in 2009.
LaDainian Tomlinson, in his first game with the Jets after leaving the Chargers via free agency, ran 11 times for 62 yards, but penalties plagued New York throughout the game. The hosts committed 14 infractions for a total of 125 yards, their highest total since 1988.
Rex Ryan, a former assistant with Baltimore for 10 seasons prior to his hiring in New York, was unable to top his old club in the first matchup against them.