Sunday’s clash between the Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Rams will almost certainly be a prime Game of the Year candidate.
In a topsy-turvy affair showcasing one of the NFC’s hottest teams (L.A.) and the AFC’s current No. 1 seed (Baltimore), we were rewarded with an epic battle that featured nine different lead changes, including four in the fourth quarter and overtime. In the end, though, the Ravens prevailed 37-31.
And not on the strength of Lamar Jackson pulling off some absurd wizardry or the team’s dynamite defense. No, no. Baltimore became the first AFC team to reach the 10-win plateau thanks to an electric walk-off punt return touchdown from Tylan Wallace.
Hoo, buddy. What more do I need to say?
Tylan Wallace takes it all the way for a walk-off punt return TD! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/VWBqUd82VN
— NFL (@NFL) December 10, 2023
After the win, Jackson was asked to talk up his young teammate’s game-winning play. He ended up comparing Wallace’s moves to find the open field and create a crease to the highest form of cinema. For what it’s worth after learning this was one of the rare walk-off punt return touchdowns in NFL history, I find it hard to disagree:
“The emotions are electric.”
Lamar Jackson gives a shout-out to Tylan Wallace on overtime victory. pic.twitter.com/xjezQOIRZQ
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) December 10, 2023
Lamar Jackson on Tylan Wallace’s game-winning punt return for TD: “That was like a movie.” pic.twitter.com/yurnYrEogX
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) December 10, 2023
The Ravens are now 10-3. They are firmly in the driver’s seat for the AFC’s top seed and the only bye week in the conference’s playoff picture. That is only possible thanks to role players like Wallace finding a way to change the game at the best possible times.