Baltimore Ravens (13-3) – Miami Dolphins (11-5): 56-19
The suspense in the clash between the top two in the AFC conference only lasted a quarter. It took the Ravens defense two series to get into their match and find the right settings to completely thwart their opponent. And when at the same time, Lamar Jackson (18/21, 321 yards, 5 TDs) begins to recite his football, exploiting and profiting in the process from the generosity of the Dolphins, then the scenario quickly turns to correction. Passive and lost, Miami's defense was unable to raise its head and only sank, annihilating any desire for a comeback.
With this victory, not only do the Ravens make an impression but they also secure 1st place in their conference, thus ensuring a week of rest in the 1st round of the playoffs.
Cannon start
There was no need to arrive late at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. The two strong teams immediately got back into their game, scoring a touchdown on their first possession. Justice Hill responding to Cedrick Wilson.
With more than twice as many yards alone as the rest of the attack, De'Von Achane caused a lot of harm to the Ravens defense during the first quarter. With more than 10 yards per carry, he quickly moves the chains. Tyreek Hill (6 receptions, 76 yards) has a golden opportunity to give Miami a possession back, but an unusual hand fault from the receiver and the Dolphins have to settle for 3 points.
Lamar accelerates very (too) hard
Baltimore's defensive adjustments are starting to pay off, and Miami is marking time. Punt, field goal, interception and punt, Tagovailoa skates. Conversely, Lamar Jackson lets go of the horses. 89 yards recovered in 10 plays, symbolized by a magnificent reception from Odell Beckham, and concluded on the ground by Gus Edwards. Then he finds the rookie Zay Flowers (3 receptions, 106 yards, 1 TD) in depth who goes to register a 75 yard touchdown. The quarterback continues his festival and drowns the dolphin a little more. He finds Isaiah Likely for another score. In just over 6 minutes, Jackson and the Ravens completely took the upper hand and took control of the match.
The break does not wake up the Dolphins, on the contrary. On the throw-in return, Hill goes back 80 yards. Three plays later, Jackson threw his 4th touchdown of the evening, finding Likely once again. And the Florida defense finally manages to steal a ball, Tagovailoa returns it on the next play by being intercepted for the 2nd time.
If they finally manage to score a touchdown during the 4th quarter, returning to 16 points, the hope is more than fleeting. Baltimore responds immediately. A fifth score for Jackson, this time, a pass for Patrick Ricard against a completely desperate defense. And since the bill wasn't salty enough, Melvin Gordon added more. 49-19
Tagovailoa was hit in the shoulder, Mike White had to finish the game and on his ball, a disagreement with his runner caused a fumble. Tyler Huntley returned in place of Lamar and went for his touchdown by connecting with Charlie Kolar. The chalice down to the dregs.
