The Ravens crushed the Rams, 45-6, on Monday night. It was a marvelous all-around performance that saw the first-team offense score six touchdowns on six drives to open the game. The Rams were gashed repeatedly, allowing a gaudy 5.9 yards per carry despite the Ravens kneeling the ball on the final three plays.
What did we learn?
Lamar Jackson is the MVP of the league through Week 12:
Jackson was stellar. Despite a modest 169 passing yards, Jackson tossed five touchdowns in six drives and added 95 rushing yards, bringing him into the top 10 in rushing yards and tied for the NFL lead in passing touchdowns. Jackson has been simply sensational for the surging Ravens.
Ravens-49ers will be a classic.
For the first time in NFL history, two teams that are coming off 28-point wins will play each other. The 49ers slaughtered the 8-2 Packers by 29 on Sunday Night Football, and the Ravens took the 6-4 Rams to execution with a 39-point win. The teams are Nos. 1 and 2 in rushing offense and are perfect mirrors: the Ravens are No. 1 in points scored and No. 2 in offensive yards, and the 49ers are No. 2 in yards allowed and No. 2 in points allowed. Similar to the matchup between the Ravens and the Patriots, the Ravens’ offense versus the 49ers’ defense will be a showdown between the most efficient per drive offense and the second most efficient per drive defense. It will be great, and it could be a Super Bowl preview.
The Ravens had the No. 1 offense … for a couple of plays:
The Ravens took the lead over the Cowboys in terms of total yards gained late in the fourth quarter. However, Robert Griffin took a series of kneel-downs that left the Ravens exactly one yard behind Dallas in terms of total yards. It’s fairly meaningless, but the Ravens will have the opportunity to pass the Cowboys next week.
These are not the 2018 Rams:
The Rams have a set of incredibly talented players. However, the play of Jared Goff and Todd Gurley has deteriorated. In 2019, Goff has more interceptions than passing touchdowns. Gurley has been used significantly less than in his 2017 and 2018 All-Pro campaigns, but he has been less efficient with his touches. He is down to just 4.1 yards per carry, and he has had under four yards per carry in seven of 10 games.
The Ravens’ defense is on fire:
Since allowing 500 yards in back-to-back games to end September, the Ravens have not allowed another opponent to surpass 350 yards. They have forced a turnover in every game, and they have forced two in every game besides the first game against the Bengals. The Ravens are 9-0 when they allow fewer than 350 yards in a game. In an odd turn of events, the four best offensive performances for Baltimore (in terms of yards) came in the same game as the four best defensive performances. If the offense plays well, the defense plays with confidence. If the defense plays well, the offense plays with confidence. Confidence in this group breeds success, and the Ravens are just a couple weeks away from securing a bye for the first time since 2011.
A look into the AFC playoff picture:
The Ravens have pulled out to a three-game lead in the AFC North. Clinching scenarios could come as early as Week 14, but the Ravens would have to beat the 49ers on Sunday and would need the Browns to complete a sweep of the Steelers. If both of those games end in that manner, the Ravens can clinch the division with their 11th win or Pittsburgh or Cleveland’s seventh loss.
A look into the NFC playoff picture:
The Rams are now two full games back in the wild card race and three games back in the NFC West. The Rams can make the playoffs, but they would likely have to win out to have a shot at a third straight trip to January.
A look ahead to Week 13:
The Ravens return home to face the 10-1 49ers. It will likely be one of the best games of the entire season.
The Rams travel to Glendale to play the 3-7-1 Cardinals. The Rams must win to keep pace in the hotly contested NFC wild card race.
