Ravens vs. 49ers: Play of the Game

The top highlights from the Ravens’ Week 16 victory over the 49ers

The Baltimore Ravens dispatched the San Francisco 49ers in Week 16, earning a 14-point victory in a battle of cross-conference heavyweights. The Ravens exploded in the second and third quarters to outscore the 49ers 30-7.

They ultimately were on the short end of some box score statistics but much of San Francisco’s production came when trailing by three scores in the fourth quarter. The Ravens’ defense played at a dominant level while the offense scored 30+ points for seventh time this year.

What were the top moments from the statement win? Check out the key highlights below and vote for your “play of the game” from Christmas Day!

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Kyle Hamilton interception (Q1): On the 49ers’ opening drive, they quickly moved into the red zone after a long reception from George Kittle. It seemed they’d come away with points given momentum but Hamilton had other ideas. The 6-foot-4 safety deceived quarterback Brock Purdy and jumped a pass attempt for Deebo Samuel in the end zone, reeling in an interception to end San Francisco’s possession.

Marlon Humphrey interception: Just seconds into the second quarter, the 49ers were across midfield into Ravens’ territory again. Purdy made a screen throw that was deflected by a leaping Brandon Stephens at the line of scrimmage. Stephens’ batted ball lofted into the air and into the arms of Humphrey, who was in the right place at the right time. This led to a touchdown drive that gave the Ravens their first lead of the game.

Kyle Hamilton interception (Q2): A few minutes after Humphrey’s interception, Hamilton got back on the board with another. Both players were in the mix on this play. Humphrey made a break on the ball when Purdy threw a third-down pass to George Kittle and deflected it in coverage. Again the deflection resulted in a floating live ball, which this time Hamilton was on the securing end of.

Lamar Jackson 30-yard scramble: With the Ravens operating in the two-minute drill offense just before halftime, they threatened to miss out on points. Facing a 3rd-&-16 with 24 seconds remaining, Jackson put on his superhero cape to make something out of nothing, as he does regularly. Jackson scrambled outside of the pocket and made All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner and other defenders miss in space for a big 30-yard gain. This led to a Justin Tucker field goal to extend their lead to four points instead of one.

Nelson Agholor six-yard touchdown catch: After a solid punt return gain from Tylan Wallace, the Ravens started their opening third quarter drive with good field position. It took them only three plays to capitalize with points, which came via this touchdown pass from Jackson to Nelson Agholor from six yards out. Agholor made a good second effort move late in his route to shake man coverage and get open at the edge of the end zone. This broke open a two-possession lead for the Ravens.

Patrick Queen interception: Just one play following Agholor’s touchdown snag, Queen joined the interception party on defense. Purdy’s pass attempt to Christian McCaffrey was off target and Queen was there to reel it in, then turn it into a 21-yard return. He nearly reached the end zone for a pick-six but was dragged down by Trent Williams.

Zay Flowers nine-yard touchdown reception: Following the sequence of events, again only one play after Queen’s interception, the Ravens cashed in with another touchdown courtesy of Jackson and Flowers. Flowers got open on a vertical seam route in the end zone and Jackson delivered a strike for a nine-yard score. This gave the Ravens a commanding 18-point lead early in the third quarter.

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