The Baltimore Ravens (3-1) defeated the New York Jets (2-2) by a score of 34-17, as the Jets have now dropped two straight.
The game was a huge defensive struggle, as neither QB was able to produce against the opposing defense. Ravens Joe Flacco managed only 163 yards passing and the Jets Mark Sanchez passed for only 119 yards, while both QBs had no TDs and 1 INT each. Both quarterbacks also had QB efficiency ratings below 40 for the game, and both completed under 33 percent of their passes.
The game set an NFL record with 5 returns for TDs, four in the first half alone. The game turned into a “defensive shootout” as the offenses only scored a total of 1 TD in a game that include 51 points.
In the first quarter, Ravens LB Jameel McClain had a 6-yard fumble return for a TD, and the Jets answered right back with Joe McKnights 107-yard kickoff return for a TD.
Then, in the second quarter, Ravens LB Jarret Johnson returned another Jets fumble 26 yards for a TD, followed by the Jets answering again with LB David Harris’ 35-yard interception return for a TD.
Finally, in the second half, Ravens CB Lardarius Webb returned an interception 73 yards for a TD to seal the game.
Not only was it one for the record books, it was an event we’re unlikely to see again any time soon.
Both defenses face big challenges next weekend as they go up against some high powered offenses. The Jets travel to New England to take on the 3-1 Patriots and Tom Brady, Wes Welker and the number one passing offense in the league. The Ravens host the 3-1 Houston Texans next week, as their defense will face off against Arian Foster, Ben Tate, Andre Johnson, Matt Schaub and the fourth ranked rushing offense.
