Football fans love a good matchup, and the Indianapolis Colts vs Baltimore Ravens game is always one to watch. This meeting between the two teams took place on August 7 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, during the 2025 NFL preseason opener. The final score was 24-16 in favor of the Ravens. But the numbers behind that score tell a much bigger story than the scoreboard shows.
In this article, we will go through the full player stats, the key moments, and the small details that shaped the outcome. Whether you are a Colts fan, a Ravens fan, or just someone who loves the game, this breakdown will help you understand what really happened on the field.
Game Overview
On paper, the Indianapolis Colts had the better day. They outgained the Ravens by a wide margin, with 366 total yards compared to Baltimore’s 226 yards. The Colts also controlled the ball for 32 minutes and 39 seconds, which is a strong number for any team in a preseason game.
Even with all this control and yardage, Indianapolis still lost the game. Why? The answer comes down to two things: penalties and special teams mistakes. The Colts committed nine penalties for 107 yards, and they also gave up two touchdowns on special teams before halftime. These two problems were enough to erase the advantage they had built through their offense and time of possession.
Quarterback Stats
Quarterback play is often the center of attention in any NFL matchup, and this game was no different, even though it did not go smoothly for either side.
Anthony Richardson started the game for the Colts, but his night ended early. He only played through two drives before a sack from Baltimore’s David Ojabo caused a pinky injury on his throwing hand. After Richardson left the game, Daniel Jones and rookie Riley Leonard shared the remaining quarterback snaps for Indianapolis.
On the Baltimore side, things were not much better in terms of passing numbers. The Ravens used two quarterbacks in this game, and together they combined for only 49 passing yards on 5 of 16 attempts. That is a very low number for a full game, and it shows that Baltimore’s win did not come from a strong passing performance.
Rushing Stats
While the passing game struggled for Baltimore, the running game told a different story. The Ravens gained 177 rushing yards as a team. This ground game gave Baltimore a way to move the ball even when their passing attack was not working.
For Indianapolis, the running game supported their strong overall yardage total, though the special teams errors and penalties took away much of what the offense built on the ground and through the air.
Special Teams: The Real Game Changer
If you want to understand why Baltimore won this game, you need to look at special teams. This part of the game made the real difference, and it happened fast.
LaJohntay Wester returned a punt 87 yards for a touchdown. Later in the first half, Rasheen Ali added another big play with a 69 yard kickoff return touchdown. These two plays gave Baltimore 14 points before halftime, points that came from explosive plays rather than long, steady drives.
These two returns did more damage to the Colts than anything either team’s quarterbacks managed during the entire night. It is a good reminder that in football, special teams can turn a game around in just a few plays, even when the other team is winning the yardage battle.
Field Goal Kicking Battle
Both teams also had some ups and downs with their kickers, which added more drama to the game.
Baltimore’s kicker missed only one field goal attempt, a 52 yard try that hit the left upright in the second quarter. This was his only miss of the night.
For Indianapolis, kicker Loop missed a 46 yard attempt before coming back later in the fourth quarter to make a 52 yard field goal. This showed some resilience, but the earlier miss still cost the Colts points they could have used.
One more detail worth mentioning is that Indianapolis did not lose the ball on any fumbles during the game. This shows good ball security from the offense, even though it was not enough to change the final result.
Injury Updates
Injuries are always a big part of any NFL story, and this game had two notable ones.
Anthony Richardson’s pinky injury was a concern for Colts fans, but there was good news afterward. He returned to practice on August 9, just two days after the game, and X-rays on his hand came back clean. Head coach Shane Steichen listed him as day-to-day following the game, which is a positive sign for his recovery.
On the Baltimore side, the news was more serious. Ravens defensive back Bilhal Kone was carted off the field in the first quarter with a severe knee injury. Reports indicated he was not expected to return at any point during the 2025 season, which is a tough blow for Baltimore’s defensive depth.
Why This Game Matters
Even though this was a preseason game, it gave both teams useful information. For the Colts, it showed that their offense can move the ball well, but they need to clean up penalties and special teams coverage. For the Ravens, it showed that even without strong passing numbers, a good rushing attack and explosive special teams plays can carry a team to victory.
Games like this also matter for fans who follow player development, roster battles, and injury reports heading into the regular season. Backup quarterbacks like Daniel Jones and Riley Leonard got valuable snaps, and players like LaJohntay Wester and Rasheen Ali showed they can make a real impact on special teams.
Final Thoughts
The Colts vs Ravens matchup on August 7 was a game where the stat sheet and the scoreboard told two different stories. Indianapolis moved the ball better, held it longer, and avoided turnovers, but penalties and two big special teams touchdowns gave Baltimore the win. Meanwhile, Anthony Richardson’s injury and Bilhal Kone’s knee injury were the two storylines that fans will continue to follow as the season gets closer.
Football is often decided by small moments, not just total yards, and this game is a good example of that lesson.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Colts vs Ravens game?
The Baltimore Ravens won the game 24-16 over the Indianapolis Colts. The game took place on August 7 at M&T Bank Stadium during the 2025 NFL preseason.
Why did the Colts lose even though they had more total yards?
Indianapolis outgained Baltimore in total yards, but nine penalties for 107 yards and two special teams touchdowns by the Ravens made the difference in the final score.
What happened to Anthony Richardson in this game?
Anthony Richardson left the game after two drives due to a pinky injury on his throwing hand, caused by a sack from David Ojabo. He returned to practice two days later after clean X-rays and was listed as day-to-day.
