The Baltimore Ravens didn’t play particularly good football in Week 13 against the San Francisco 49ers. However, in their 20-17 win, the Ravens proved that not only are they the best team in football, but they also have what it takes to withstand a real test of their mettle.
Since Week 7, no team has been as dominant as Baltimore. Coming into Week 13 against the 49ers, the Ravens had blown out quality opponents like the Houston Texans, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots. Through the five games leading to this week, the Ravens had outscored their opponents 202-62 as they dismantled good offenses and bludgeoned some of the best defenses in the league to lopsided victories.
In each game, doubters spoke up to question how sustainable Baltimore’s scheme and quarterback Lamar Jackson could actually be this season. With each win, those same doubters pointed to the following week being the real test that would figure them out. Repeat that cycle until this week when those still doubting the Ravens said it would be the 49ers that would stop Jackson, stymie their rushing offense and pick apart their aggressive defense. They were sure Baltimore’s winning streak was going to end in Week 13 and they’d finally be proven to be fake when facing a “real” team.
Generally speaking, those doubters were actually right. Jackson and Baltimore’s offense accounted for just 285 total net yards, their lowest total since Week 5 and their second-worst total of this season. The defense struggled to contain the run, giving up 174 total net yards on the ground — their lowest total since they suffered their last loss, in Week 4 to the Cleveland Browns. The team as a whole struggled . . . and yet they still won.
With the game tied up at 17, Baltimore’s defense got a much-needed stop and turnover on downs. With little more than six minutes remaining and the game on the line, the Ravens stopped playing around and got back to business. They milked the clock with their power-rushing attack and some accurate passes from Jackson to convert on crucial third and fourth downs while marching down the field. Then with three seconds on the clock, Baltimore turned to the best kicker in football to seal the win.
The Ravens didn’t play their best football but they took the best shot the NFL has this season. Baltimore withstood every punch the 49ers gave them, answered with their own and landed the haymaker in the final quarter to end things. If San Francisco is the endcap to Baltimore’s schedule against the best teams in football this season, the Ravens answered every test and came out unscathed.
Now, who still wants to get in their way?
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