The Baltimore Ravens 29-28 loss on Monday night to the Washington Commanders didn’t overshadow the impressive performance of Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers.
Flowers made two receptions for 37 yards and a touchdown on the opening drive of the game. Despite only playing six snaps, Flowers received an impressive 93.1 grade from Pro Football Focus. He broke the huddle lined tight with Devin Duvernay and Charlie Kolar in tow, using his quick burst on an out route and juking multiple defenders to find the end zone.
Flowers executed a combo block with Tylan Wallace to create space for a 10-yard gain by Justice Hill on the first play. He followed up by running a fly route to clear space for tight end Kolar. Kolar would drop the pass.
Remaining in the game, Flowers secured an 11-yard gain on a curl route. Despite the size difference with Emmanuel Forbes (6’0, 180), Flowers utilized his quickness effectively. Forbes positioned himself eight yards away from Flowers, giving the 5-foot-9, 182-pound receiver the necessary space to make a decisive move and gain additional yardage on the run-pass option play.
The rookie wide receiver lined up on the left side of the field once again on the next play. He made a 13-yard gain on a play-action pass to Hill. Hill’s subsequent 16-yard rush set up Flowers for a 26-yard gain and touchdown, making a grand statement on the national stage of ESPN.
Flowers showcased the qualities that led general manager Eric DeCosta to draft him 22nd overall. His agility, speed, and precise route-running were on full display, giving him an edge against many defensive backs.
The young wideout’s knack for crucial catches adds to the Ravens’ arsenal of big-play threats. Alongside Mark Andrews, Odell Beckham and Rashod Bateman, he creates mismatches. He’ll can open up opportunities for the entire receiving corps with his shiftiness and ability to find creases within the opposing defenses.
Flowers also excels at getting the ball in open space. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken utilized an orbit motion with Flowers behind quarterback Josh Johnson in a previous game against the Eagles. Flowers made a quick cutback and received a short pass from Johnson behind the line of scrimmage and juked a defender, before gaining a yard. Although it may not have been a standout play, Flowers showcased his ability to elude defenders and gain positive yardage.
He had an impressive 2022 season at Boston College, averaging 13.8 yards per reception. He recorded 78 catches for 1,077 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning him the title of Third Team All-American and a spot on the All-ACC First Team. Baltimore Sports and Life’s own Michael Fast was high on Flowers entering this year’s draft due to the former’s collegiate production.
Baltimore has the opportunity to unleash Flowers’ potential at the professional level in creative ways. The stage is now set and the Ravens coaching staff will await the next chapter in Flowers’ football career and their offensive future — albeit a short peer into their crystal ball of what it could hold.
Kyle J. Andrews is a 2018 University of Baltimore and Mount Saint Joseph High School graduate, along with former sports reporter for the Centre Daily Times in State College, Pa., the Baltimore Sun Media Group, 105.7 The Fan, Baltimore Beatdown, and Fox Sports 1340 AM. He has covered the Orioles, Ravens, high school sports in the Baltimore area and Central Pennsylvania, minor league baseball, Penn State and Maryland athletics and more.