The Baltimore Ravens marched into Jacksonville on Sunday Night Football on a roll, coming off an exciting overtime win over the Los Angeles Rams and looking to punch their ticket into the postseason. Baltimore would have to do it against a desperate Jaguars team that needed a win. A combination of first-half mistakes by the Jaguars, Lamar Jackson slipping away from defenders, the Ravens running game, and a stout defense propelled the Ravens to a 23-7 win. It clinched their 15th postseason berth in franchise history. It is also the eleventh time in the John Harbaugh era in franchise history.
Baltimore Ravens Clinch Postseason Berth
Elusive Lamar
The Ravens quarterback had an impressive day in the pocket by making defenders miss and making plays on the run. The play of the night was Jackson avoiding Dawuane Smoot and finding tight end Isaiah Likely for an unbelievable catch that set up a Ravens touchdown. Jackson did that throughout the night and found guys like Likely and Rashod Bateman for completions. Jackson also took a hit and found Odell Beckham Jr for a significant completion.
Likely Stepping Up
When the Ravens lost Mark Andrews a few weeks ago, the question came of who would step up. The task was given to second-year player Isaiah Likely. Likely was taken in the 4th round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Coastal Carolina by the Ravens. Sitting behind Andrews, Likely only got a chance to play a little beside from the preseason. Over the last few weeks, Baltimore needed Likely to step up, and he has done just that. Over the past three games, Likely has caught 13 receptions for 193 yards and two touchdowns and has become Jackson’s go-to guy. In a year where the Ravens have needed everyone to step up, especially their depth, Likely has done just that.
Ravens Power Run Game
Baltimore can beat teams in so many different ways. One of them is going old school and running the football. The Ravens ran for 251 yards against the Jaguars defense. Jackson (97), Keaton Mitchell (73), Gus Edwards (58), and Justice Hill (23) led the way on the ground for the Ravens. Edwards continues his strong season in the red zone by pounding in his 11th rushing touchdown of the season. Mitchell had a good day until his season was cut short.
Ravens Lose Mitchell For The Season
Mitchell has been one of the best stories for the Ravens this season. An undrafted free agent and the son of a Ravens hero, Anthony Mitchell, during their magical run to the Super Bowl in 2000, it was a family affair in Baltimore. Mitchell had emerged as the feature back and showed his speed and burst. He was adding another element to this Ravens offense. Unfortunately, Mitchell suffered a severe knee injury, and head coach John Harbaugh confirmed it was season-ending. It’s a sad end to a promising rookie season for the second-generation Raven, but Mithcell’s place on the Ravens is certainly solidified in the future.
What’s Next?
The Ravens are in the playoffs. Step one on their journey is now complete. Baltimore will look to accomplish steps two and three over the final three weeks by winning the AFC North and clinching the AFC’s #1 seed. The Ravens will travel to San Francisco on Christmas for a heavyweight battle with the 49ers. The Ravens lead the all-time series 5-2, including a Super Bowl victory over the 49ers in 2012.
Main Photo: [Jeremy Reper] – USA Today Sports
