Nightmarish early numbers show how poorly the Ravens outplayed and outplayed the Bills

Statistically speaking, the first half was as bad as ever for the Buffalo Bills in their Sunday Night Football away duel against the Baltimore Ravens.

The Ravens' receivers could be opened up at will. Derrick Henry overran the defenders. Scat back Justice Hill took advantage of mismatches in pass coverage.

The Ravens dominated the Bills physically, and the numbers show it. Buffalo's defense couldn't do enough to get off the field in a timely manner as Baltimore controlled the tempo and time of possession. Reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson averaged 10.4 yards per play in the first two quarters, while the Bills were only able to muster 3.1 yards per reception.

Baltimore moved the chains 14 times before halftime and went 3-for-3 on third down, including a stunning 15-yard screen pass to Justice Hill on 3rd-and-14.

It took a few weeks, but the Bills' defensive injuries finally caught up with them. Baltimore was able to take advantage of the absences of linebackers Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard and nickel cornerback Taron Johnson.

The dominance began on the Ravens' first offensive play, when Derrick Henry ran 87 yards on a perfectly blocked touchdown run.

RELATED: Bills lose fourth defensive starter to injury on Sunday Night Football

Baltimore outscored Buffalo 281-90 in the first 30 minutes. The Bills recorded just five first downs in the first half and were 1-for-8 on third down conversions.

The Bills appeared overwhelmed in almost every area as the home team took a 21-3 halftime lead.

— Enjoy free coverage of the Buffalo Bills Bills on SI —