Baltimore Ravens (10-3) – Los Angeles Rams (6-7): 37-31
The two teams delivered a confrontation that kept all its promises, and well beyond. Because yes, 70 points were almost scored, but without the defenses being particularly manhandled and found wanting. And if the match went into overtime, it was because the two teams kept their score and their production ready. 24 first downs to 23, 282 passing yards versus 310, and 128 rushing yards versus 139. Two styles, but equivalent talent.
To decide between them it will therefore have required an extension of playing time, but above all a sidereal feat from the Baltimore restarter to snatch a victory on the wire (from the touchline). A committed, contested and very pleasant match, which must leave a bitter taste for the Angelinos but which delighted the men of Baltimore.
A trade of big stocks
The first quarter passes at astonishing speed. The “fault” of the two teams who insist on the ground game, which runs down the clock. In this game it is especially Kyren Williams (RB, 114 yards) who stands out, with an insolent success and yardage. To the point that when Los Angeles tried to go through the air, the attack stalled and had to settle for a field goal to open the scoring. Baltimore's response was scathing. Seeming to insist on Keaton Mitchell (RB, 62 yards) and Gus Edwards (RB, 15 yards), Lamar Jackson (QB, 24/43, 316 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT, 70 yards rushing) finds the fault by alerting an Isaiah Likely (TE, 83 yards, 1 TD) left all alone in the back guard for a big 54-yard touchdown.
The warning shot seems to wrap up the game. Two big gains from Demarcus Robinson (WR, 46 yards, 1 TD) and Cooper Kupp (WR, 115 yards, 1 TD), a penalty, and the Rams appear at the entrance to the opposing goal. The inevitable Kupp is at the conclusion to restore the advantage to the Angelinos, even if it only lasts a few minutes. Because the defense does not hold its coverages, and this time it is Odell Beckham (WR, 97 yards, 1 TD) who pierces the defensive curtain for a score of 46 yards on a magnificent double move. To you, to me, it's then Puka Nacua (WR, 84 yards) who overflows for 34 yards before Matthew Stafford (QB, 23/41, 294 yards, 3 TD) slips the ball to Davis Allen (TE, 50 yards, 1 TD) to cross the line. After four offensive touchdowns in a row, it's up to the defense to shine. Ahkello Witherspoon (CB) appears in front of a pass from Jackson, and returns the leather to his team a few minutes from the whistle for a second field goal. There are a few seconds left on the clock, taken advantage of by the Ravens. Jackson works on his short and intermediate routes, and despite the pressure finds solutions. The purples continue, progress calmly, and scrape 3 points to stay in contact when returning to the locker room. 17-20 at the break.
Explosive overtime
Back on the field, Baltimore returns to its fundamentals. Mitchell then Jackson race as best they can and place Justin Tucker (PK, 3/3 FG, 2/2 XP) for the equalizer. And for its part, the defense chained sacks and tackles for loss to muzzle Los Angeles. However, as in the first half, it was the errors that killed the Corneilles' efforts. A disagreement between Jackson and his center saw the ball escape into the back of the goal and offered the Californians a safety.
The last period opens with a new field goal from the Ravens, which gives them a lead of a small point, against the Rams who are messing up their aerial game. Los Angeles must therefore regain efficiency to stand its chance. A good dose of Williams, Allen, Nacua, Kupp, and it's Robinson who concludes with a dive into the back of the goal. With 5 points behind, Jackson must bring out his best game to come back. The quarterback dances between the tacklers, distributes small passes to his receivers, and enters the red zone. However, the Californian defense tightens, the pressure intensifies, and he must release an arrow towards Zay Flowers (WR, 60 yards, 1 TD) to put his team in front with one minute to go. But the Rams are not defeated. In a few passes they move up the field and position themselves for the equalizer. The match goes into overtime.
On their first possessions, both teams had slippery hands. The approximations follow one another, and the teams break free. The opportunity for Tylan Wallace to shine. The receiver breaks through the tackles, nearly falls to the ground several times, and ends up crossing the line for the win. An exceptional finish for a very good match. The Ravens continue their path to the playoffs.
What a way to win it for Baltimore. #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/kLyfinzlDj
— NFL (@NFL) December 10, 2023
