Ravens Ride 3 Interceptions To 16-12 Halftime Lead Over 49ers
The Baltimore Ravens entered Monday night's game against the San Francisco 49ers as heavy underdogs, despite both teams having the same record.
Baltimore wasn't happy about being counted out, and at the very least, the Ravens' defense came to play, powering them to a 16-12 halftime lead.
In the first half alone, Baltimore has forced San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy into a season-high three interceptions. Two of them have come from Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton, while the third came from cornerback Marlon Humphrey.
The Ravens haven't let those opportunities go to waste, as 10 of their 16 points have come off turnovers.
Lamar Jackson
USA Today Sports
On offense, though, Baltimore hasn't fared quite as well. After the first interception, the Ravens were inside their own 10-yard line. While scrambling Lamar Jackson ran backward into the end zone, then tripped over a referee, resulting in a safety for the 49ers. San Francisco tacked on a field goal on the ensuing drive to take a 5-0 lead.
The defense helped the Ravens find their footing, though. The second pick set them up in great field position, and after a long 11-play drive, Gus Edwards punched it in from a yard out. Then after the third interception, the Ravens settled for a field goal.
San Francisco's offense eventually came to life, as Christian McCaffrey scored from nine yards out to bring the game within one point. Justin Tucker answered with another kick of his own as time expired, extending the lead to four.
Jackson completed 16 of 26 passes for 129 yards in the first half, to go with 36 yards on three carries. Rookie receiver Zay Flowers is having a nice game, catching seven passes for 53 yards.
Purdy completed 9 of 16 passes for 144 yards, 91 of them to George Kittle, and the three aforementioned picks. McCaffrey has 84 yards and a touchdown on nine carries.
The 49ers will get the ball to start the second half.
