Lamar Jackson was slowed down, but not stopped by the 49ers defense. Jackson is in a heated MVP race with Russell Wilson and has been nothing short of unstoppable this year. He’s been responsible for tons of yardage both through the air and rushing. Sunday his Ravens hosted the 49ers and though he was slowed, he wasn’t stopped and the Ravens won by three points as time expired.
“We need to make more plays in crucial situations, and that is what separates a lot of these games, a couple plays here and there.” – Jimmy Garoppolo
Lamar Jackson Leads Baltimore Ravens to Victory
The San Francisco 49ers played in a major rainstorm and came up just short against the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens kicked a 49-yard field goal as time expired to claim the 20-17 victory. The 49ers have now lost two games on the season both by a field goal. The losses come against teams with a combined record of 19-4.
The 49ers did a good job moving the football but failed on a key 4th and 1 late in the game. The call has been second-guessed by quite a few. On fourth and one, the 49ers opted to throw the football, despite running back Raheem Mostert running for nearly eight yards a clip. He carried the ball 19 times for 146 yards and provided the spark that has been missing since Matt Brieda went down weeks ago with an ankle injury.
The game was played in a downpour throughout and despite that, Jimmy Garoppolo managed to throw the ball pretty well. He did have a very costly fumble deep in the 49ers territory that set up the Ravens’ first touchdown. He hung in the pocket for too long and didn’t do a good enough job protecting the football. It’s been a knock on him all year and if the 49ers expect to win in the post-season, it has to stop.
The 49ers had more total yards, passing yards, and yards per play. That said, when they needed the big play, it wasn’t there for them. It was a frustrating loss to a very good football by a very good football team. It was a possible Super Bowl preview.
“We didn’t get the win. That’s what matters.” – Fred Warner
The 49ers knew they had to bottle Lamar Jackson if they wanted to win. That’s like walking between raindrops, it just isn’t going to happen. He wasn’t as dynamic as he’s been in prior games, but he still topped 100 yards rushing and made plays with his feet when the Ravens needed them.
Fred Warner again led the team in tackles. He was also in on some key plays breaking up potential first downs on passes. He continues to lead the defense with his hustle and ability. The 49ers were able to pressure Lamar Jackson on a number of occasions. However, they only managed to sack him once. DeForest Buckner sacked Jackson running his season total to 6.5 sacks on the year.
Richard Sherman had a good game as well but was forced to the sidelines with a knee injury. His injury was reportedly called “day to day” by head coach Kyle Shanahan today. There is hope that Sherman will be on the field this coming Sunday. The 49ers will travel to New Orleans to play the Saints. Another player who suffered an injury was Jaquiski Tartt, who suffered fractured ribs. He’s also questionable for the Saints game.
The vaulted 49ers defense held the Ravens under their season averages for yardage and points. They were not able to stifle Lamar Jackson though. He escaped the backfield of numerous occasions hurting the 49ers with his legs. It was a solid effort by the defense, but they couldn’t get off the field on numerous key third downs.
The 49ers are certainly Vikings fans tonight.
The San Francisco 49ers loss puts them in second place behind the Seahawks pending their Monday night game against Minnesota. If the Seahawks win the game they move into first place in the NFC West. If the Vikings win, the 49ers remain the division leaders and conference number one seed.
The 49ers have a huge game this Sunday in New Orleans. They will be hosted by the 10-2 Saints in a crucial game. The 49ers will play the Rams and Falcons before ending their season with a potentially huge game against the Seattle Seahawks. The winner of that game could find themselves division champions and owners of the home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
The 49ers will likely be getting Matt Breida, Joe Staley and others back heading down the stretch and the game this week in New Orleans is massive. The 49ers currently hold their destiny in their hands. If they win out they will be division winners, number one seed an own home-field advantage.
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