Baltimore’s defense erased Brock Purdy’s MVP score late after four games, while its quarterback led the Ravensand with seven field goals; 33-19 win over the NFC leading 49ers.
Even more special than the final score is the way John Harbaughand’s team defeated a 49ers unit that had won the last six games by an average of more than 18 points. andquot;We were just locking in, trying to keep their offense off the field,andquot; Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson spoke to ESPN after the win. andquot;I think we did all those things and came away with the win.andquot; While playing a team that hasn’t lost a game this season is impressive, Baltimore’s road on Monday was perhaps the most surprising.
The Ravens maintained a dominant offense entirely based in San Fran. While the 49ers racked up 429 yards of total offense, they went 6-for-14 on third down and were sacked five times. Four of them are from Purdy. Defensive coordinator Mike McDonald sent out various expressions that confused the 23-year-old. Baltimoreand#039;s finished with four sacks, 11 passes defensed, nine quarterback hits, five tackles for loss and a huge tackle. On the offensive end, Jackson’s brilliance both in and out of the pocket overwhelmed the fastest and most complete defense in football.
Baltimore relied on its first-round rookie receiver Zay Flowers for the standard (nine catches, 73 yards and a touchdown) in the passing game, catching eight different receivers. Jackon finished the game completing 23 of 35 passes for nearly 300 yards, two touchdowns, a 109.4 passer rating and over seven yards per rush.
Related: Ravens Crush 49ers For Statement Win
It all adds up to one of the most impressive performances by an NFL team this season. The Ravens were more physical against the toughest team in football and took advantage of matchups all night.
andquot;They and#039;made statements. They just showed that they can play against anyone, andquot; Jackson said of Ravensand#039; protection What does this mean for the playoffs? Well, if anything, it’s clear that the Ravens aren’t just one of the best teams in the game anymore.
They are head and shoulders above everyone around them. With a win against the Miami Dolphins next week, Baltimore will take the next step to prove it by moving to the top of the AFC.
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