Instant analysis of Ravens much needed 30-23 win over the Chargers in Week 12
It wasn’t pretty, but the Ravens are 8-4 and set for a showdown against the 9-2 Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium next Sunday after a hard-fought 30-23 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The Contest saw the Harbaugh brothers coach against each other on their parents’ 63rd wedding anniversary.
The Chargers were held to 285 yards of total offense, and Baltimore’s 212 rushing yards was the most against a Jim Harbaugh-coached team in the NFL.
With preparation for Philadelphia set to begin, here’s an instant analysis of the huge win.
Lamar Jackson
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 25: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens throws a pass against the Los Angeles Chargers during the third quarter in the game at SoFi Stadium on November 25, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Jackson was an efficient 16-22 passing, for 177 yards, two passing touchdowns, and a 126.5 rating. Jackson accounted for one rushing touchdown on the night.
Justin Herbert
Nov 25, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) drops back to pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Herbert was sacked four times and was an inefficient 21-36 passing for 218 yards on the night as Zach Orr had a solid gameplan.
Mark Andrews
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Mark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball after a catch during the third quarter gass at M&T Bank Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The Ravens’ tight end was outstanding on the night, hauling in five catches for 44 yards (8.8 avg) and a touchdown.
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Malik Harrison showed up
Nov 25, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (27) carries the ball against Baltimore Ravens linebacker Malik Harrison (40) in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
With Roquan Smith out, Harrison led all tackles with 13 and one tackle for loss.
Postseason preview
Nov 25, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws as Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) moves in during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Baltimore improved to 8-4, while the Los Angeles Chargers are 7-4 after the defeat. Both teams are in the thick of the playoff race, and Monday night could have provided the backdrop for a playoff preview. The Ravens are currently the fifth seed, and a swap with Pittsburgh would set up a wild card matchup and a rematch of this game in Baltimore.
Strength on strength
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 25: Derrick Henry #22 of the Baltimore Ravens dodges a tackle against Elijah Molden #22 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the third quarter in the game at SoFi Stadium on November 25, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Chargers entered the game ranked second in the NFL in red zone defense. Midway through the fourth quarter, Baltimore was 2-for-2 in the red zone and 8-15 on third downs.
It was over when
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 25: Justice Hill #43 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball against Tarheeb Still #29 of the Los Angeles Chargers for a 51 yard touchdown during the fourth quarter in the game at SoFi Stadium on November 25, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Justice Hill took a Lamar Jackson RPO 51-yards for the longest run of his career, and the longest allowed run by the Chargers this season.
