With the Ravens winning in decisive fashion to emerge as the NFLโs best team in a 33-19 final at San Francisco on Monday night, Iโve offered a dozen thoughts, each in 50 words or less:
1. The attacking Baltimore defense was the heavyweight fighter who absorbed some punches โ surrendering season highs in total yards and yards allowed per play โ to deliver the most impactful blows for a decisive knockout. As Patrick Queen said, โWe play a brand of football that people donโt want to play.โ
2. John Harbaughโs team weathered the early storm that could have been worse than a 5-0 deficit as the offense got off to a sleepy start. Interceptions repeatedly reversed the momentum as the Ravens picked off five passes, tying the franchise record set against St. Louis in 2007.
3. The statistics donโt match 2019, but whatโs made Lamar Jackson the current MVP favorite has been a consistently high dual-threat floor accompanying his most spectacular moments. While other candidates have had face-plant performances, Jackson looks calmer than ever in the pocket and has one fumble over the last six games.
Pretty deep into watching the Ravens' defense from last night, and that game was MUCH more about Mike Macdonald putting Brock Purdy in pure hell than anything else. One of the most amazing, diverse, and sequential defensive game plans you'll see all season long.โ Doug Farrar
(@NFL_DougFarrar) December 26, 2023
4. You never know how interviews could go, but Mike Macdonaldโs stock is soaring after a brilliant game plan to make Brock Purdy look like an overwhelmed seventh-round pick. The Ravens have special players at every level of this defense, but Macdonaldโs use of those chess pieces continues to be masterful.
5. Iโm not sure what else there is to say about Kyle Hamilton, who continues to play tremendous football. The effort he showed on his second interception that came off a deflection was a teaching video to remind young players never to give up on a play.
.@kyledhamilton_ got knocked down, got up and still made the INT.
Never gave up on the play.pic.twitter.com/swnSq0vdYIโ NFL (@NFL) December 26, 2023
6. Marlon Humphrey saw his first extensive action of the season playing the slot, which was another wrinkle Iโd really like to see the rest of the way. You often see an undersized corner playing the nickel, but Hamilton and Humphrey offer so much more versatility at that position.
7. Drops aside, that was the version of Zay Flowers Baltimore needs the rest of the way. Especially with Odell Beckham Jr. coming back to earth, Flowers has to be the go-to guy for this passing game and Iโd still like to see the Ravens push it downfield to him more.
8. After a relatively quiet night in Jacksonville, the pass rush was ferocious against San Francisco with Pro Football Focus crediting Jadeveon Clowney with eight pressures and Travis Jones, Patrick Queen, Justin Madubuike, and Kyle Van Noy with four each. Macdonald will need a similar effort against Miamiโs passing attack.
9. The running game was inconsequential to the outcome, but Gus Edwards and Justice Hill finishing with 57 yards on 19 carries even as the Ravens held a sizable second-half lead wasnโt the most encouraging development. Melvin Gordon didnโt play a single snap.
10. Harbaugh said he was โfairly optimistic about everybodyโ coming out of Mondayโs game with injury concerns, but the Ravens must find the right balance between getting healthy and preparing for a critical showdown with the Dolphins on a short week. Nearly everyoneโs tired and hurt entering Week 17.
11. Baltimore is 20-1 against NFC opponents in games started by Jackson. Iโve said repeatedly heโs like the generational pitcher with electric stuff a hitter really has to experience for himself before gaining any real chance for success. Seeing him once every four years is both a blessing and a curse.
12. The Ravens have lost once since the Orioles were eliminated from the postseason. They havenโt trailed by more than seven points all year and havenโt trailed by more than seven with Jackson playing since Week 14 of the 2021 season. No need to look at power rankings this week.