Chargers first drive
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 25: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers calls a play against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter in the game at SoFi Stadium on November 25, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
There are things of beauty, and then there was the Chargers’ first drive of the game. Los Angeles star quarterback Justin Herbert finished off a nine-play, 70-yard drive that ate up 5:15 of clock with a five-yard touchdown run.
Ravens rotation
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 25: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks to throw a pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter in the game at SoFi Stadium on November 25, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Outside of the defense line, Baltimore had an efficient rotation of skill players at linebacker and cornerback. With Roquan Smith out, Chris Board and Malik Harrison saw their share of snaps, while Nate Wiggins, Marlon Humphrey, Brandon Stephens, Tre’Davious White, and Jalyn Armour Davis all saw snaps in the first half.
Ravens so undisciplined
Nov 25, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh with brother and Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh before the game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Baltimore is now up to an NFL-high 96 penalties, accruing three in the first half.
Chargers dominant first quarter
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 25: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs the ball for a 5 yard touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter in the game at SoFi Stadium on November 25, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
With Greg Roman clicking on all cylinders, the Chargers outgained the Ravens 123-20 in that first quarter. They also held the ball for 10:48 compared to the Ravens’ 4:12.
Former Ravens
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 25: J.K. Dobbins #27 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs with the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter in the game at SoFi Stadium on November 25, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Dobbins and Edwards were motivated and combined for 12 carries and 59 yards in the first half.
Lamar Jackson
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 25: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens dodges a tackle to score a 10 yard touchdown against Daiyan Henley #0 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the second quarter in the game at SoFi Stadium on November 25, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Jackson was 5-9 passing, for 89 yards and one passing touchdown in the first half. Jackson added three carries for 14 yards and a ten-yard score on the ground.
Justin Herbert
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 25: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers throws a pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter in the game at SoFi Stadium on November 25, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Herbert was 13-18 passing, for 129 yards and 0 touchdowns in the first half.
Derrick Henry
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 25: Derrick Henry #22 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts against Kristian Fulton #7 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the second quarter in the game at SoFi Stadium on November 25, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Henry had nine carries for 66 yards (7.3 avg) in the first half. Look for Baltimore to get Henry even more involved.
Chris Board/Malik Harrison
Dec 12, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Malik Harrison (40) warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
With Roquan Smith out, Harrison led Baltimore with ten first half tackles.
Rashod Bateman
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 25: Rashod Bateman #7 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with Diontae Johnson #18 after scoring a 40 yard touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second quarter in the game at SoFi Stadium on November 25, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Bateman and Lamar Jackson had struggle to gain a connect on Monday night prior to this 40 yard dime to Bateman in the back corner of the end zone.
