Baltimore Ravens Stifle Jacksonville Jaguars 23-7 to Clinch Playoff Berth
The Baltimore Ravens showed why they're a team to be feared on Sunday night as they trounced the Jacksonville Jaguars 23-7 on the road.
It may not have been the prettiest game the Ravens have played this season, but like a great team should, they found a way to win despite some hiccups.
Baltimore's key to victory in this game was its defense, and more specifically, not letting Jacksonville take advantage of its opportunities. The Jaguars were able to move the ball fairly well throughout the night, coming up empty in all three of their trips to the red zone.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson eludes Jaguars defenders on Sunday night.
USA Today Sports
Additionally, the Ravens were able to force some key takeaways in pivotal moments. The first came late in the first half, as Arthur Maulet scooped up a Trevor Lawrence fumble to set up a touchdown drive for the offense. The second came in the fourth quarter, when Justin Madubuike, who's having a career season with 11 sacks, got home once again and forced a fumble, which Patrick Queen recovered to set up a field goal.
While the stats may not show it, as the Ravens allowed 333 total yards and 16 first downs, their defense absolutely came through when they needed to.
On the offensive side of the ball, Lamar Jackson completed 14 of 24 passes for 171 yards, a touchdown and an interception while adding another 97 yards on 12 carries. Isaiah Likely continued his recent hot streak, catching five passes for 70 yards and a touchdown.
Lawrence completed 25 of 43 passes for 264 yards and one touchdown, and he was the team's leading rusher with 41 yards on four carries. Jamal Agnew caught two passes for 70 yards and scored Jacksonville's only points of the night.
The game was not without loss, though, as Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell left in the second half with a gruesome-looking knee injury. The team ruled him out for the remainder of the game.
On a brighter note, Baltimore not only maintained its grip on the AFC's top seed but coupled with losses by the Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos on Saturday, became the first team in the conference to clinch a playoff spot.
Having won four straight, the Ravens now get ready for a huge Christmas Day road game against the San Francisco 49ers in a potential Super Bowl preview.
