The Ravens are officially headed to the playoffs!
The Baltimore Ravens will leave Jacksonville atop the AFC and with a playoff ticket CLINCHED as they defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars, 23-7!
MVP: Lamar Jackson
Not only is Jackson the MVP of this game, he’s arguably the 2023 League MVP. What he did against the Jaguars, and what he’s done over the course of this season has vaulted the Ravens to the No. 1 seed in the gauntlet that is the AFC. Undoubtedly, Jackson was the best on the field tonight. The lone interception being the blemish on his game. However, his evasion, elusiveness and accuracy outclassed the Jaguars defense.
Winners
DT Justin Madubuike: The best pass-rushing defensive tackle in 2023 has tied the NFL record for most consecutive games with at least a half-sack, at 11. Now, to break the record on Christmas night against the San Francisco 49ers.
TE Isaiah Likely: The Ravens have needed their tight end to step up after the loss of Mark Andrews. He’s done so over the past 2.5 games. Tonight, he finished with 70 yards and a touchdown on five receptions. What an answer by the sophomore tight end.
RB Gus Edwards: The Bus has found yet another end zone on his route, scoring his 11th touchdown of the season. He’s two more touchdowns from outscoring all four previous seasons combined.
WR Rashod Bateman: The Ravens needed somebody to step up in the passing game early on to help move the chains. Bateman was the answer, helping to keep the offense on the field and just see the chains move to spark the offense.
TE Charlie Kolar: Helped make his presence known by snagging a tough grab to move the chains on the Likely touchdown reception. Then, he ran the 3rd & 1 “Tush Push” for a chain-moving first. Not involved often, but when he was, he made the play.
SS Kyle Hamilton: He’s the best safety in the NFL and has earned the right to be First-Team All-Pro. Give him the individual accolade. Also, thank you other NFL teams for passing on him over a damn 40-time.
CB Arthur Maulet: Scooped up Trevor Lawrence’s fumble, making it his second red zone stop this season.
FS Marcus Williams: A clutch tackle to end the first half kept the Jaguars from adding points to the scoreboard
Losers
CB Brandon Stephens: Not a good night for the No. 2 cornerback. He got beat by Zay Jones jsut before the half ended and got the Jaguars into the red zone. However, the defense held strong and didn’t allow points. He appeared to be the player in coverage to allow the Jamal Agnew 65-yard touchdown, as Maulet was passing off Agnew for help. But, that could be Maulet’s fault and this could be incorrect. Regardless, not Stephens’ best showing, who has been a damn good cornerback all season.
Tackles in Pass Pro: The magic of Jackson salvaged that porous blocking affair for the Ravens tackles. That was not pretty and hopefully they can solve it before having to face Nick Bosa and Chase Young next week in San Fran.
RB Keaton Mitchell: He did nothing wrong. It just appears he’ll be out for the season, which is a brutal shame for the offense.
Special Teams Vice Block: Two players should’ve shut down the gunner and opened a lane for punt returner Tylan Wallace. Daryl Worley and Ronald Darby got beat.