Ravens Rookie WR Zay Flowers Taking 'No Emotions' Into First Playoff Game
Baltimore Ravens rookie receiver Zay Flowers burst onto the scene with a nine-catch, 78-yard performance in his debut against the Houston Texans on Sept. 10. Now, Flowers is set to make his playoff debut against the same team.
While the stakes are much higher compared to Week 1 when the Ravens beat the Texans 25-9, Flowers said his mentality hasn't changed heading into the AFC Divisional Round match-up.
Zay Flowers runs upfield vs. the Houston Texans
USA Today
"No emotions," Flowers said. It's kind of the same. I feel it's just playing football. I've been playing football all my life, so I'm going to just go do what I do."
The former first-round pick had a stellar rookie campaign, leading the Ravens in targets (108), catches (77) and receiving yards (858). Flowers was tied for second with tight end Isaiah Likely in touchdowns with five. Tight end Mark Andrews led the team with six despite missing the final seven games of the regular season.
For the man Flowers has built a good rapport with, quarterback Lamar Jackson wants the rookie receiver to stay the course as Baltimore begins its playoff push.
"He just has to keep doing what he is doing – just being himself," Jackson said. "Whatever mode he is in before the game, stay in that mood, because he will go out there and ball out."
While Flowers' body of work throughout the season is impressive, he noted that the Texans game helped him find his footing and jumpstarted a successful first season in the NFL. Now, Flowers will have a chance to continue his success into the playoffs against the same team he faced when he knew he belonged in the NFL.
"It made me a little bit more comfortable knowing I can go out there and play with the best of the best," Flowers said. "So, just playing that game got me settled in for the season."
Baltimore faces Houston on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET at M&T Bank Stadium.
