- Ravens dominate 49ers
- Lamar Jackson shines
- Unexpected win, MVP talk
Not even the narrow margin of victory (14 points) should deceive you. The Baltimore Ravens, through their resounding road victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Christmas night, reestablished themselves as the preeminent team in the NFL. Additionally, quarterback Lamar Jackson reclaimed his position as the league’s preeminent player.
Individuals who have primarily focused on the Chiefs, Eagles, Cowboys, and 49ers this season may find Monday’s audacious run by the swashbuckling Ravens (12-3), who have won nine of their last ten games and now hold the best record in the NFL, somewhat unexpected.
On the contrary, the Baltimore Ravens’ defence, which forced San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy to throw four interceptions on Monday before he was forced to leave with a nerve injury, is as ruthless as Ravens’ defences were during the era of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.
Ravens Stun 49ers and Bookmakers
The 49ers (11-4) were heavy favourites and frontrunners for the Super Bowl heading into the contest. However, the Ravens, seemingly angered by what appeared to be a lack of regard from the bookmakers, seized a three-touchdown advantage and exposed San Francisco’s shortcomings on a weekend that also saw the Chiefs (9-6) and Cowboys (10-5) suffer losses, and the Eagles (11-4) barely survived the dreadful Giants.
The Baltimore defence was anticipated to be formidable, given that the Ravens’ defence has been formidable for nearly two decades under coach John Harbaugh. The return of Jackson, the sixth-year NFL quarterback from Louisville, who has surpassed all others, including Patrick Mahomes, who, believe it or not, is susceptible to funks, could be the biggest surprise.
“I believed Lamar delivered the MVP performance tonight,” Harbaugh remarked following the contest. “A team is required to produce such a performance, but it is an individual who excels to perform at that calibre, to earn MVP honours.” Lamar was everywhere on the pitch.
Jackson, age 26, has consistently tossed the ball much more effectively than he has been credited. His speed is electrifying. In his second season, 2019, he was named the league’s Most Valuable Player. However, his success was short-lived as the Ravens were eliminated in their home playoff opener that same year.
Jackson’s Contract and Ravens’ Reinforcements
Ten games were missed over the past two seasons due to knee and ankle injuries, despite the individual’s apparent mobility. Jackson has recorded a solitary triumph in a playoff contest, which occurred almost three years ago against the Titans. Subsequently, he suffered a lacklustre loss to Buffalo.
Jackson was nonetheless extended by the Ravens to a five-year, £260 million contract in April. Among NFL quarterbacks, only Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs (£450 million), Joe Burrow of the Bengals (£275 million), and Justin Herbert of the Chargers (£262.5 million) have heftier contracts.
The Ravens, in addition to grant him a substantial salary increase, determined that Jackson could benefit from additional assistance. In his sixteenth season as head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, Harbaugh, 61, appointed Todd Monken as offensive coordinator. Monken had eight years of NFL experience and had most recently served in a similar capacity at the University of Georgia, where it won two national championships.
Mark Andrews, an outstanding veteran tight end for the Ravens, suffered a ruptured fibula and an ankle ligament injury during a November victory over Cincinnati. Other receivers, such as veterans Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor, were added by Baltimore.
In addition, the Ravens selected wide receiver Xavien ‘Zay’ Flowers with their first-round selection in April. During his four years at Boston College, Flowers caught 200 receptions for 3,056 yards and 29 touchdowns. Monday night, Flowers amassed nine receptions for 72 yards and a touchdown.
Offensive Prowess and Jackson’s Brilliance
This season, Flowers, Beckham, and Agholor have accumulated 122 receptions for 1,513 yards and nine touchdowns. Since succeeding Andrews, tight end Isaac Lively has accumulated two touchdowns on 23 receptions. Additionally, running back Gus Edwards has improved his production.
Jackson, however, remains the primary focus. He accumulated 786 rushing yards this season, including a 30-yard open-field sprint through the San Francisco secondary that was absurd, twisting and delightful (well, delightful if you were not the 49ers). It set up a field goal late in the first half.
This extended Baltimore’s lead to 16-12. Purdy had three interceptions to his credit already. However, Jackson produced his finest work in the third quarter, despite the 49ers still having a chance to win. The results of Baltimore’s three drives were two touchdowns and an additional field goal.
One of those drives lasted only nine yards and one play because it began immediately following Purdy’s fourth interception. Jackson, who zips the ball rather than throws it, completed a touchdown pass to Flowers. Baltimore led by a score of 33-12 entering the fourth quarter.
Sam Darnold, the Jets’ QB Flop prior to Zach Wilson becoming their most recent QB Flop, entered the game in place of Purdy following his injury and added intrigue with a touchdown pass. On the Niners’ final drive, however, Darnold was intercepted by the Ravens after two sacks.
Jackson’s MVP Perspective and Triumph
Indeed, that was all. Jackson was quickly questioned regarding the upcoming significant matchup between the Ravens and the Miami Dolphins (11-4), who defeated the Cowboys on the final play of play on Sunday, which will take place at home on Sunday. He downplayed his inclusion on the shortlist for NFL MVP.
“I think it’s pretty cool,” he stated to ESPN. “I am stunned to be participating in this discussion. One does exist [MVP]. Man, we must continue to triumph and complete the necessary tasks in order to reach February. Nothing else.”
He later remarked, “We obtained the letter W. I am largely indifferent to [my own] performance. Simply put, I desire to triumph. That occurred precisely tonight. It was Christmas when I received my present.”
Jackson’s Christmas night began in a disastrous fashion. On their first drive, the Baltimore offence went three-and-out. The following drive was a dismal failure when Jackson ploughed over an official, Alex Moore, in an attempt to evade a tackle in the end zone. As a result, the offence was called for a safety by intentional grounding.
Jackson has made 12 starts in a single season only once in his NFL tenure, and that was in 2019 when he was named MVP. After a dismal finish to that season, Jackson has been patiently awaiting another opportunity to lead a legitimate contender for some time. It appears he now possesses one.
