BALTIMORE -- A few thoughts on the Baltimore Ravens' 38-10 rout of the Carolina Panthers at M&T Bank Stadium:
What it means: Highlighted by Steve Smith's big plays in this much-anticipated reunion, the Ravens (3-1) won their third straight game and closed to within a half game of the AFC North-leading Cincinnati Bengals (3-0). The Ravens scored a season-high 38 points despite not having the franchise's No. 2 all-time rusher (Ray Rice), their best tight end (Dennis Pitta) and starting left tackle (Eugene Monroe). It's the first time that the Ravens have scored more than 30 points in a game since their Super Bowl victory over the 49ers in February 2013.
Stock watch: Rising -- running back Justin Forsett. He was the surprising starter for the Ravens, and he didn't disappoint. He produced 97 total yards and one touchdown in his first start since the 2010 season finale. Forsett gained 66 yards on the ground by breaking numerous tackles and added 31 yards receiving. Rookie Lorenzo Taliaferro was the Ravens' No. 2 back, scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Bernard Pierce, who started the first two games, didn't receive a carry.
Stingy defense: The Ravens have their share of problems, especially at safety. But this defense has given up only five touchdowns in four games. The biggest mistake was safety Darian Stewart not providing deep help, which let wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin get open for a 28-yard touchdown in the first quarter.
Keeping Flacco safe: This marked the third straight game in which Joe Flacco wasn't sacked. That gave Flacco plenty of time to throw three touchdowns, the 15th time he's done that in his career. Flacco finished 22-of-31 for 327 yards.
Game ball: Wide receiver Steve Smith. Who else? In his first game against his former team, Smith scored a 61-yard touchdown off a deflected pass and then pulled in a 21-yard catch in the end zone despite being held. He certainly let the Panthers know what they were missing, making seven catches for 139 yards (19.8-yard average). It was Smith's best game in what has been an impressive start with the Ravens.
What's next: The Ravens begin a stretch in which they play five of their next six games on the road. Their first stop is Sunday at the Indianapolis Colts (2-2).
