Ravens Defuse L.A.

A banner day for older running backs took place at M&T Bank Stadium with Latavius Murray, Le’Veon Bell and Devonta Freeman each scoring a rushing touchdown, as the Baltimore Ravens used their powerful running game in a statement victory over the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday afternoon. 

The Ravens dominated from their first possession on and never relented, rushing for more than 175 yards in the blowout win. In what was supposed to be a shootout between two of the league’s top young quarterbacks, Lamar Jackson got the better of Justin Herbert — even as the Ravens didn’t have to rely on his arm this week.  

Baltimore took control of the game on its first drive, which was orchestrated by Murray. He rushed two times for 22 yards and caught two passes on that drive. Baltimore finished with 62 rushing yards on that first drive — which set the tone of the game — and it was capped by Murray’s 14-yard touchdown run. The Ravens went 92 yards up the field on their second drive, finished off by a Bell 3-yard score — his first as a Raven and first touchdown since Week 15 of last season. 

Freeman’s touchdown came on the first play of the fourth quarter, a 9-yard run that put Baltimore up 34-6 and in total command of the battle between two division leaders in the AFC. The Ravens’ other touchdown came from the arm of Jackson, who found Mark Andrews for a 9-yard strike on Baltimore’s opening possession of the second half. Jackson has 42 straight games with a passing or rushing touchdown — the fifth longest streak in NFL history. The drive signified a long day for the Chargers defense and a dominant afternoon for the Ravens offensive line.  

The only sign of life from the Chargers came from an ill-advised throw from Jackson that resulted in an interception. His lone blemish when the game was still within reach set the Chargers up for their lone touchdown of the game. Kyzir White picked off Jackson — one play after DeShon Elliott intercepted Herbert — and Herbert found Jared Cook for a 1-yard pass touchdown two plays later to cut Baltimore’s lead to 17-6 late in the second quarter. Herbert set up the touchdown by finding Mike Williams for a big gain, but Williams was injured on the play. Williams did return in time for the start of the second half. 

Jackson finished 19 of 27 for 167 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. He also had eight carries for 51 yards. Herbert finished 22 of 39 for 195 yards and a touchdown with an interception.