Bend, Don't Break: Baltimore Ravens Lead Jacksonville Jaguars 10-0 at Halftime
As the top team in the AFC, the Baltimore Ravens have gained significant Super Bowl hype over the past few weeks.
They haven't exactly looked like the best version of themselves in the first half of Sunday night's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but they've still managed to take a 10-0 lead heading into the break.
The key to taking that lead has been a bend-don't-break mentality. Jacksonville has made it to Baltimore territory on four of its five possessions, but that side of the scoreboard still shows a donut. Two of those drives ended in missed field goals by Brandon McManus, albeit long ones, while on the third, the Ravens forced a fumble from Trevor Lawrence just as the Jaguars were about to enter the red zone. The fourth one was probably the most impressive, as a tackle in bounds led to the clock running out before the Jaguars could get another play off.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson takes off during last year's game against the Jaguars.
Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Baltimore started off well on offense, marching 64 yards to get on the board with a Justin Tucker field goal. The next two drives were a lull, though, with one resulting in negative yardage and another ending in a Lamar Jackson interception. After that, though, the Ravens were able to pick it up and take advantage of the turnover, as Jackson hit tight end Isaiah Likely for a 16-yard score just before half.
Jackson completed 11 of 16 passes for 134 yards one touchdown and one interception, plus another 30 yards on five carries. Likely led the team in receiving with three receptions for 40 yards and a score.
On the other end, Lawrence completed 16 of 23 passes for 148 yards. Travis Etienne had 27 yards on seven carries, while Zay Jones had 55 yards on four catches.
The Ravens will get the ball to start the second half as they look to pad their lead. If they can hold on for the win, they will become the first team in the AFC to clinch a playoff spot.
