The Baltimore Ravens faced off with the Los Angeles Chargers in their second straight primetime game in Week 12. They’ll be heading into their bye week on a high note after notching a 20-10 victory on Sunday Night Football. In an AFC clash that they were favored to win, the Ravens didn’t make it easy on themselves or the blood pressure of their collective fan base.
Their defense did its job and then some. They dominated and put everything to put the Ravens in position to win, aside from finding the end zone themselves. Meanwhile, after a very hot and promising start to the game, the offense struggled to stay on the field nearly caused the team’s downfall before coming through late.
Through the first 11 weeks of the season, the Ravens began the fourth quarter with a lead. However, they failed to hold onto their advantage three times, resulting in a 9-3 record —which many believe should be an undefeated record. Sunday night made in 12 games in a row, as the Ravens led the Chargers 13-3. There were eerily familiar signs and omens that the Ravens might give away another late lead, but they were able to find a way to finish.
“I thought the fourth quarter was a statement,” Head Coach John Harbaugh said. “We put an exclamation point in the fourth quarter. Defense getting the stops and offense finishing.”
The defense dominated for all but the opening drive of the game and one in the fourth quarter, which cut their lead from double figures to a field goal with 8:36 left remaining. However, time and time again, they stepped up when the team needed a big play, whether it be a clutch stop or timely turnover.
After exciting signs of innovation on their first three drives, the offense fell into a bit of a lull after they turned the ball over on downs in the second quarter. They failed to capitalize on a pair of fumbles that the defense forced and only came away with three points. Then, they scored the only points of the third quarter with another field goal.
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