The Baltimore Ravens were able to overcome another slow start to pull off a 20 – 12 close win at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars. They were never able to get the running game going and that really reduced the effectiveness of their offense. Fortunately, the defense turned in another stellar performance. The front seven specifically deserves a game ball after this win. Terrell Suggs had 2.5 sacks and rookie Timmy Jernigan had two sacks while Pernell McPhee had 1.5 sacks. The Ravens were able to sack Blake Bortles a total of eight times.
The Ravens scored the game’s first points thanks to a blocked punt by Darian Stewart. Kamar Aiken picked up the ball and ran it in for the touchdown.
The Jaguars were able to put up a total of 248 yards on offense which is just another credit to the Ravens defense. Jacksonville was not able to score a single touchdown as their 12 points came on four field goals. They dominated the time of possession in the first half but the Ravens would not allow the Jaguars to score a touchdown on their only red zone visit. The Jaguars were held scoreless in the second half.
The game included a good amount of trickery as Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley pulled out all of the stops. The Jaguars executed a fake punt and even recovered an onside kick against the Ravens. They had momentum but simply couldn’t capitalize. The Ravens let a scrappy team hang around but they put it away thanks to a late interception by Jeremy Miles.
Joe Flacco turned in another solid game as he worked his way closer to 4,000 yards passing on the season. He was able to complete 20 of his 30 pass attempts for 221 yards and one touchdown. Flacco was able to find open receivers for big plays on a few play action passes. Owen Daniels resurfaced with four receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown. Marlon Brown led the team with five receptions including a couple of crucial catches on third down.
Justin Forsett had one of his least productive games of the season. He only had 48 yards rushing. Forsett’s longest run was only a six yard gain. Bernard Pierce broke off a 28 yard run late in the game that sealed the win for the Ravens. Pierce ended up with 37 yards. Gary Kubiak still tried to get the running game going. He dialed up 26 running plays as compared to 20 passing plays.
Random Notes:
- Steve Smith Sr. made his 900th career reception, becoming the 18th player in NFL history to do so.
- Rookie safety Terrence Brooks is said to have a PCL injury, possibly an MCL. He suffered the injury during kickoff coverage early in the game. Head coach John Harbaugh said that Brooks is done for the year.
- Asa Jackson suffered what they called a knee sprain in the third quarter. He did not return to the game after the injury. Harbaugh said that the team will get a better idea of the extent of the injury soon.
- Justin Tucker missed two field goal attempts from 54 yards. Tucker had a 91.2% accuracy rate (highest in NFL history) coming into this game. His first attempt didn’t have a chance but the second attempt hit the right crossbar.
Notable Quotes:
- Steve Smith when asked about his stamina after being sick this week: “You can ask my wife about my stamina.”
- Joe Flacco on the QB sweep on third down: “I remember Alex Smith scoring on the Saints on that play and I was happy to get my chance to run it.”
- John Harbaugh: “I told Terrell coming off the field, ‘Great job leading.’ He’s been a great leader all yr. He told each player do your job.”
- Terrell Suggs: “I am going to line up everyday and try to catch Elvis but let’s call a spade a spade, Elvis is having a great year. We have guys that will get after the passer. We are Ravens nation and we live by the motto, ‘Next Man Up.”
- Timmy Jernigan: “It’s very important to keep things going. We are now in December and we have to do whatever we have to do to win football games. I’ve learned a lot playing with Elvis (Dumervil) and Terrell (Suggs). I love watching how they get ready. They do a lot of the little things. I’ve been blessed to play 12 games with Haloti Ngata also. I’ve learned so much from him and my position coach.”
- Elvis Dumervil: “We knew we had our chances but they schemed things to allow them to get the ball out quickly. It’s always competitive when you have a great rusher on the other side and they’re collapsing the pocket inside. Honestly, this is my third time having a top tandem. I had Von in Denver but Suggs, he’s a complete pass rusher and it feels great to have a duo with him.”
The Ravens are now 9 – 5 and very much in the mix for the AFC playoff picture. They will travel to Houston to face the Texans next week. The game will be a homecoming for offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, Justin Forsett and Owen Daniels. The Texans will be forced to start rookie quarterback Tom Savage after Ryan Fitzpatrick suffered a broken leg against the Indianapolis Colts. There’s a good chance that new Ravens corner Antone Cason is activated due to the injury to Asa Jackson.
Follow on Twitter: @TDavenport_PPI
