Ravens defense sets the tone in ‘SNF’ win over Jaguars

The Baltimore Ravens (11-3) cruised to a 23-7 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars (8-6) on “Sunday Night time Soccer.” Listed below are three takeaways from the Ravens playoff-clinching win: 

Ravens protection setting the tone: Baltimore’s unit confirmed up in opposition to the Jaguars, holding an opponent to a landing or much less for the ninth time this season. Behind large video games from their playmakers, they pissed off QB Trevor Lawrence all night. 

Security Kyle Hamilton was a relentless disruption taking part in on a sprained MCL, ending with a team-high seven tackles (one for loss) and an important pass-breakup late to disclaim Jacksonville a landing. 

In the meantime, defensive sort out Justin Madubuike tied an NFL mark by posting at the least a half sack in 11 straight video games. He recorded his twelfth sack of the season with 4 QB hits and a compelled fumble within the Ravens’ victory. 

The Ravens D confirmed they’ll carry the load at occasions, but when they need a shot on the No. 1 seed within the AFC, the unit must play extra prefer it did on Sunday transferring ahead. 

Closing out the season, the Ravens will tackle two juggernauts within the San Francisco 49ers (11-3) and Miami Dolphins (10-4) over the past three weeks. 

Lamar Jackson making an MVP case?: Jackson’s numbers aren’t on par with the favorites for MVP, nevertheless it’s onerous to argue his significance to the Ravens. He wasn’t the principle motive they walked away winners on Sunday night time, nevertheless it’s onerous to think about them successful the sport with out him. 

Beneath duress for a lot of the recreation, Jackson made one thing out of nothing countless times, preserving drives alive whereas demoralizing a befuddled Jaguars protection. He showcased his influence even with out the flashiest stat line, ending 14-of-24 for 171 yards (7.1 YPC) with a landing and an interception by means of the air whereas including 97 dashing yards off 12 carries (8.1 YPA) 

The MVP often comes all the way down to who has the perfect stats, however wins ought to matter, too. In that regard, Jackson has the Ravens main the AFC North at 11-3 whereas serving to them change into the primary group within the convention to clinch a playoff spot. If that is not MVP-worthy stuff, what’s?

Jaguars slide continues: Just a few weeks in the past, the Jaguars have been 8-3, a shoo-in for the postseason, and a favourite to win the AFC South. My, how issues have modified. 

Following their loss on Sunday night time, they’re now in a three-way tie with the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans for the division lead, and a playoff berth is now not a given. Having dropped three straight video games, they are going backward and have nobody accountable however themselves. 

After shedding their earlier two video games by a mixed seven factors, the Jaguars bought in their very own means once more versus the Ravens. Ending with solely seven factors, the Jaguars missed two discipline targets, and QB Trevor Lawrence misplaced two fumbles, together with one contained in the crimson zone. 

Far faraway from a five-game successful streak in October, the Jaguars head into the season’s remaining three weeks probably needing to win out in opposition to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7), Carolina Panthers (2-12) and Tennessee Titans (5-9) to save lots of their 12 months.