ExtremeRavens

See photos of the Baltimore Ravens play the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium on December 17, 2023. Baltimore Ravens place kicker Justin Tucker (9) kicks a 34-yard field goal as Jacksonville Jaguars safety Antonio Johnson (26) rushes in during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards (35) tries to get past Jacksonville Jaguars safety Rayshawn Jenkins in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell is taken off the field in the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens defensive players celebrate after recovering a fumble by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) is brought down by Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike as Lawrence tries to pass in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) is brought down by Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike after Lawrence tried to pass in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards (35) scores a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, top, makes a reception over Jacksonville Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard (42) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jamal Agnew (39) scores a touchdown on a 65-yard pass reception against the Baltimore Ravens in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones (7) reaches for more distance as he is brought down by Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (14) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (80) catches a touchdown pass as he is defended by Jacksonville Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard (42) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, left, catches a touchdown pass as he is defended by Jacksonville Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard (42) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones (7) catches a pass beyond the reach of Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens (21) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0) catches a pass against Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) fumbles the ball as Baltimore Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet (10) closes in during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. Maulet recovered the ball on the play. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards (35) is hit byJacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (33) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0) catches a pass over Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, is tackled by Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (34) tries to get past Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) scrambles against Jacksonville Jaguars safety Antonio Johnson (26) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (34) is brought down by Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Josh Allen, right, in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) gets a pass away as he is pressured by Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (33) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson, left, and Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh meet on the field before an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Fans watch as players warm up before an NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson warms up before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith takes a picture with fans before an NFL football game between the Ravens and the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) View the full article

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton is good to go for Sunday night’s game against the Jaguars. The second-year star out of Notre Dame was questionable after suffering a sprained left knee in Baltimore’s 37-31 overtime win over the Los Angeles Rams last week but warmed up wearing a brace on his knee and was not among the Ravens’ inactives. The move was somewhat expected after Hamilton fully practiced Friday and coach John Harbaugh said he had a “good chance” to play. Hamilton has been perhaps the Ravens’ best defensive player this season with 62 tackles, nine passes defensed, three sacks, a forced fumble and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. Jacksonville (8-5) also came into the week ninth in points per game (24) and 11th in yards per game (342.7). The Ravens (10-3) are remarkably healthy for Week 15 with six healthy scratches. They are: newly signed quarterback Malik Cunningham, cornerbacks Rock Ya-Sin and Damarion “Pepe” Williams, center Sam Mustipher, guard Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu and quarterback Josh Johnson, who is the emergency quarterback. For the Jaguars, cornerback Tyson Campbell (quadricep) and safety Andre Cisco (groin) were both ruled out Friday. Being without them could be costly for Jacksonville, which is already allowing the second-most passing yards per game (265.2) in the NFL. Other inactives for the Jaguars are outside linebacker Yasir Abdullah, offensive lineman Chandler Brewer, rookie tight end Brenton Strange (foot) and defensive tackle Angelo Blackson. Cornerback Tre Herndon (concussion), offensive linemen Ezra Cleveland (knee) and Walker Little (hamstring), wide receiver Jamal Agnew (shoulder) and cornerback Christian Braswell (hamstring) are active after being listed as questionable to play. View the full article

CLEVELAND — For Myles Garrett, there’s no explanation for the Browns’ strange season. It’s been crazy, zany, wild and weird. “Who could have wrote this story?” Cleveland’s star defensive end asked. “Not even Dr. Seuss. It doesn’t get more abstract than what we’ve gone through.” Joe Flacco passed for 374 yards — 212 in the fourth quarter — and set up Dustin Hopkins’ 34-yard field goal with 32 seconds left before the Browns withstood a dropped Hail Mary on the final play to beat the Chicago Bears, 20-17, on Sunday. Making his third start since signing with Cleveland last month, the 38-year-old Flacco overcame three interceptions and made several brilliant throws in the closing minutes to rally the Browns (9-5) from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit. Cleveland has won six games by four points or fewer. Flacco, who went 11 of 13 in the final quarter, connected on a 51-yard touchdown pass — into tight coverage — to wide receiver Amari Cooper with 3:08 left that tied it at 17. The Browns got the ball back with 1:50 remaining and Flacco, the fourth QB to start for Cleveland this season, completed two passes to tight end David Njoku for 65 yards to set up Hopkins’ go-ahead kick. The Bears (5-8), who blew 17-7 lead, nearly pulled off a stunning finish. With no time left, Chicago quarterback Justin Fields lofted a pass from the 45-yard line to the end zone into a pack of players. Two Browns defenders batted the ball down, but it went directly to Bears receiver Darnell Mooney, who was lying on his back. The ball bounced in and out of Mooney’s hands and he kicked it into the air, allowing Browns safety D’Anthony Bell to intercept it and avoid a catastrophic ending for Cleveland. Bears wide receiver Darnell Mooney (11) attempts to catch a Hail Mary pass at the end of Sunday’s game against the Browns. (AP Photo/Kirk Irwin) “It’s tough and crazy,” Mooney said. “How many times do you see that Hail Mary work and actually be able to maybe catch it?” The play was a blur to Browns coach Kevin Stefanski. “I blacked out,” he said. Garrett had a firsthand view after chasing Fields from the pocket. “He kind of looked at me, just made sure I was far enough away and then tossed it up.” Garrett said. “I was like, ‘Please, Lord, don’t let us be one of these like, YouTube compilations.’” For a moment, Fields thought the Bears had pulled it out. “I heard some celebration on the sideline,” he said, “and then it was kind of like, awww. Then I saw the guy picked off the pass.” The Browns stayed in the No. 5 playoff spot in the AFC. It’s a remarkable achievement considering they’re without starting quarterback Deshaun Watson and star running back Nick Chubb, and they lost five regulars to season-ending injuries just this week. “We’ve been through four quarterbacks,” Garrett said. “It’s not going to shake us because we’ve literally been through it all with injuries and everything else. So this is just another step in our journey, another opportunity for us to write a very peculiar but great legacy.” Flacco has quickly become a hero in Cleveland, his longtime rival when he played for Baltimore. The 15-year veteran has thrown for 939 yards in three games. Flacco showed resilience after his picks, one of which was returned by Tremaine Edmunds for a 45-yard touchdown on Cleveland’s first play of the second half to put the Bears ahead 14-7. “Believe me, part of you wants to crawl into a hole somewhere and hide from everybody, but you can’t do that,” Flacco said. “Especially somebody like me. I’ve been in this league a long time and you’ve seen so much happen. “You just have to keep your eyes on what’s next. You have to continue to look forward and continue to have faith that your teammates are going to get themselves in the right positions for you to get the ball to them.” No comment Garrett declined to say anything negative about the officiating one day after being fined $25,000 by the NFL for remarks following last week’s game. “Ask Roger,” he said referring to Commissioner Roger Goodell, who was at Sunday’s game. ”I didn’t talk to him. But you watch the film and you ask Roger.” Garrett feels he hasn’t been getting enough calls. He went without a sack for the fourth game in a row. Stat pack Njoku had a career-high 10 catches for 104 yards, including a 2-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Cooper had four receptions for 109 yards. Bruised Browns Offensive tackles Jedrick Wills Jr. (knee) and Dawand Jones (knee), safety Grant Delpit (groin), defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (pectoral) and defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (pectoral) did not play for Cleveland. Things got worse as All-Pro left guard Joel Bitonio went out in the first quarter with a back injury. “My back’s messed up,” Bitonio said. “I don’t know exactly what happened, but not feeling good.” Injuries Bears: LG Teven Jenkins (concussion) was carted to the locker room in the second quarter. Browns: LB Anthony Walker Jr. (knee) was inactive after getting hurt in practice this week. He came in listed as questionable. … CB Mike Ford Jr. (illness) went to the locker room in the first quarter. Up next Bears: Host Arizona on Dec. 24. Browns: Visit Houston on Dec. 24. This story will be updated. View the full article

Ronnie Stanley knows his injured right knee will be a constant worry for as long as the Ravens play this season. The movements he makes to create leverage against the scariest pass rushers in the world simply are not comfortable, and there’s only so much the team’s left tackle can do about it. It’s a drag — no other way to put it, really — that he’s managing another destabilizing injury after he enjoyed a healthy offseason for the first time since 2020. At the same time, Stanley believes he’s playing for the most promising team of his eight-season tenure in Baltimore, and he knows that team probably will not achieve its potential without him securing franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson’s blind side. “It may not be how I want to feel going into the game,” he said. “But it’s just something you have to fight through. I’m going to continue to fight through it.” Stanley will be in the spotlight Sunday night as he matches up with the Jacksonville Jaguars’ top defender, Josh Allen, a “good mix of speed and power” who is tied for third in the NFL with 13 1/2 sacks and has finished with at least three quarterback pressures in every game this season. Stanley is used to trying to erase these long, twitchy menaces, but it doesn’t come as easily as it once did, before multiple ankle surgeries and the knee injury that has hampered him this season. Coach John Harbaugh did not mince words the day after Stanley played one of his worst games of the season in a Nov. 26 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton questionable vs. Jaguars but has ‘good chance’ to play Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag on Marlon Humphrey, Joe Flacco, grading the officials and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | NFL playoff picture: How the Ravens can clinch a postseason berth in Week 15 Baltimore Ravens | For Ravens’ Tylan Wallace and identical twin, NFL dream came true with game-winning punt return TD: ‘He plays for both of us’ Baltimore Ravens | Joe Flacco signs 1-year deal with Browns loaded with incentives, including playoff run, Super Bowl win Asked if his left tackle would benefit from a two-week break before the Ravens’ next game against the Rams, Harbaugh said: “I do think that it’s going to be beneficial for him. It’s something that’s been … It’s not been great. I think he’d probably be the first person to tell you it’s not been great. He needs to get stronger and get his technique right. He needs to get out at practice and keep growing back into … He’s a great player. We want to get him back into playing at that high level.” Stanley did, in fact, return as a more effective player against the Rams. Though he wasn’t point man in the key matchup of the day against star defensive tackle Aaron Donald, Harbaugh pointed out that the Ravens’ focus on Donald left Stanley and right tackle Morgan Moses on islands against the Rams’ edge defenders. Stanley allowed just two hurries in 44 pass blocking snaps, per Pro Football Focus, and earned his highest pass blocking grade of the season. “I thought he had a good game, and I think he’s going to build off that,” Harbaugh said. “He looked really good. We had a tough job with those guys. We did a pretty good job of neutralizing No. 99 [Donald]. He had his plays. He made some plays, but we got him blocked a number of times, too, so I was proud of that for the guys. When you do that, and you send so much attention to the one player, then you have other guys in one-on-one battles, and they have to win.” Stanley first hurt his knee in the Ravens’ opener. After he missed the next three games, he returned with a subpar performance, allowing a season-high nine pressures in 45 pass blocking snaps in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played well the next five games, then collapsed to the field, clutching the same knee in the Ravens’ Nov. 12 loss to the Cleveland Browns. In his first game back, two weeks later against the Chargers, he was not himself. The pattern was clear in each case. He needed an extra week to, as Harbaugh said, regain strength and sharpen his technique. “Time during the week, being able to adjust to and evolve with the situation, that definitely helps,” Stanley said. “Also, just having extra recovery time. Further out from the injury, barring anything happening in the game before, you get closer to the best you can get.” Browns Ravens FootballTerrance Williams/APRavens left tackle Ronnie Stanley tries to block Browns defensive end Myles Garrett on Nov. 12. Stanley is managing another destabilizing injury after he enjoyed a healthy offseason for the first time since 2020. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams) Stanley spoke warily — he has endured more than his share of setbacks since he suffered a terrible ankle injury in 2020, a year after he’d been named All-Pro and earned a $98.75 million contract — but with some optimism about the improving state of his knee. “He’s certainly fought through,” offensive coordinator Todd Monken said. “I think that the knee is going to continue to strengthen. I thought he worked awfully hard last week to get to that point, and it’s only going to continue to get stronger, just like he said.” Ravens guard Kevin Zeitler said each injury presents a puzzle that can only be solved through repetitions in practice or in games. “It all depends what’s hurting,” he said. “You hurt one thing, and three other things are affected. You have to change things as necessary, and it’s frustrating, because you know the things you can do. But it’s a learning adjustment. For Ronnie, it seems like he was getting rolled up every game. Thank God he’s flexible, and it wasn’t worse, but it’s something where you have to learn to work with it the longer you go.” Not coincidentally, Stanley’s lesser outings contributed to some of the Ravens’ worst offensive performances of the season. They need him to be good, even if he can’t be the league’s best pass blocker as he was in 2019. To that end, Harbaugh tried a new approach, suggested by offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris, playing Patrick Mekari at left tackle and Daniel Faalele at right tackle for whole drives against the Rams to lighten the loads on Stanley and the 32-year-old Moses. “The idea was to split the workload up and also help Ronnie and Morgan be the strongest they could be in the fourth quarter,” Harbaugh said. “That was our thinking, and it sure turned out to be a wise move.” Stanley also wore a cumbersome brace outside his uniform pants, trading comfort for stability. “It’s just to provide more support for the ligament itself,” he explained. “It doesn’t feel the best. I definitely like playing without it more.” At age 29, Stanley sounds tired when he talks about preparing to play without 100% confidence in his knee. At times this year, he’s thought, “I can’t catch a break when it comes to this.” He also understands most NFL stars confront similar obstacles as they play into their second and third contracts. “I’m just looking at it as an opportunity to evolve,” he said. “To find a way to play at the level I want to play at, even with the injuries.” Week 15 Ravens at Jaguars Sunday, 8:20 p.m. TV: NBC Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM Line: Ravens by 3 View the full article

The air was crisp and the sun shining Friday at the Ravens’ practice facility in Owings Mills. Baltimore’s outlook for Week 15 of the NFL season is also remarkably bright. All 53 players on the active roster were at practice, a rarity this late in the season for any team and especially one that has been decimated by injuries late in the calendar in previous years. Among the most notable appearances was Kyle Hamilton, who suffered a knee injury in Sunday’s 37-31 overtime win over the Los Angeles Rams. The second-year, do-it-all safety practiced for a third straight day but was upgraded to a full participant Friday for the first time this week. Coach John Harbaugh said Hamilton, who is listed as questionable, has a “good chance” of playing against the host Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday night. Hamilton has performed at a Pro Bowl if not All-Pro level this season, recording 62 tackles, nine passes defensed, three sacks, a forced fumble and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns on Nov. 12. “We’ll just see how he does the next couple days,” Harbaugh said of the safety. “But he’s in a good place right now.” So is pretty much the rest of the roster for Baltimore (10-3). Inside linebacker Roquan Smith (back) fully practiced for the second straight day after being limited Wednesday. Outside linebacker Malik Hamm (ankle) and linebacker Malik Harrison (groin) were also full participants. Hamm, an undrafted rookie and Baltimore native, has been a full participant in practice the past two weeks after being designated to return from injured reserve. Harbaugh said Friday that Hamm “definitely is potentially an option” to be added to the 53-man roster, which the Ravens would have to do by 4 p.m. Saturday for him to play Sunday. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag on Marlon Humphrey, Joe Flacco, grading the officials and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | NFL playoff picture: How the Ravens can clinch a postseason berth in Week 15 Baltimore Ravens | For Ravens’ Tylan Wallace and identical twin, NFL dream came true with game-winning punt return TD: ‘He plays for both of us’ Baltimore Ravens | Joe Flacco signs 1-year deal with Browns loaded with incentives, including playoff run, Super Bowl win Baltimore Ravens | As Ravens try to hold on to AFC’s No. 1 seed, a fierce gantlet awaits “It’s health and how ready he is. I think he’ll be ready,” Harbaugh said. “He moves well and could help us both on defense and special teams if he gets a chance. Then, with where the roster is, you have to weigh those two things.” Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley was also back at practice after being out Thursday because of the birth of his first son, Tyler Huntley Jr. For the AFC South-leading Jaguars (8-5), their secondary will be challenged with two starters ruled out in cornerback Tyson Campbell (quadricep) and safety Andre Cisco (groin). Jacksonville has allowed the second-most passing yards per game (265.2) in the NFL this season, though expected rainy and windy conditions Sunday night could help them out. Seven others are questionable for the Jaguars: wide receiver Jamal Agnew (shoulder); cornerbacks Christian Braswell (hamstring) and Tre Herndon (concussion); guard Ezra Cleveland (knee); offensive tackle Walker Little (hamstring); long snapper Ross Matiscik (back); and rookie tight end Brenton Strange (foot). The Ravens, who have the best record in the AFC, can clinch a playoff berth with a win over Jacksonville and some help. View the full article

Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston will answer fans’ questions throughout the Ravens season. Coming off Baltimore’s 37-31 overtime win over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 14, plenty of questions remain heading into a Week 15 matchup against the host Jacksonville Jaguars. Here’s Preston’s take: (Editor’s note: Questions have been edited for length and clarity.) In your opinion, has cornerback Marlon Humphrey lost a step, is he still banged up, a combination of both, or other/not an issue? — Twitter user @GregCampbe86291 I’m not sure he has lost a step. He played extremely well in training camp but has been hit hard by injuries and missed substantial practice and playing time. He kind of reminds me of safety Marcus Williams, who was out for a while with a pectoral injury and then again with a hamstring problem. These guys can do all the aerobic work they want, but there is nothing like being back out on the field again. Even when they return, it takes a while to get back to 100%. I think Humphrey can still play at a high level, but I’ve always maintained that he is better on the inside over a slot receiver than outside against a big or fast wideout. The problem is that the Ravens don’t have a true shutdown cornerback. Brandon Stephens has played well at times but he can’t match up with any of the NFL’s premier receivers. Before making a final judgment on Humphrey, he deserves time to work his way back onto the field. That’s only fair, and he has earned that right with stellar play throughout most of the seven years he has been in the league. Which players — one on offense, and one on defense — do you feel need to elevate their game to another level the most to help the Ravens down the stretch drive to the playoffs? — Paul in Orlando Sorry Paul, it’s not just one on offense, but two. Both tackles, Morgan Moses and Ronnie Stanley, have to play well in the final month and into the postseason. When you look at this team, the most pressing weakness is the offensive line, especially in pass protection. Fortunately, they have quarterback Lamar Jackson, who makes this line look better, but that’s a major question mark. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | NFL playoff picture: How the Ravens can clinch a postseason berth in Week 15 Baltimore Ravens | For Ravens’ Tylan Wallace and identical twin, NFL dream came true with game-winning punt return TD: ‘He plays for both of us’ Baltimore Ravens | Joe Flacco signs 1-year deal with Browns loaded with incentives, including playoff run, Super Bowl win Baltimore Ravens | As Ravens try to hold on to AFC’s No. 1 seed, a fierce gantlet awaits Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 15 of 2023 NFL season: Steelers vs. Colts, Bears vs. Browns, Cowboys vs. Bills and more Defensively, both outside linebackers, Odafe Oweh and Kyle Van Noy, have to play better. Van Noy has played reasonably well considering he joined the team in late September but, like Oweh, he can disappear from games. If both play well to complement fellow outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, the Ravens can cover up some weaknesses in pass defense, especially in the middle of the field. Pass defense isn’t strictly on the players in the secondary, but it goes hand-in-hand with the pass rush. The Ravens are coming into their most challenging part of the season with these last four games. Gaze into your crystal ball and tell us how Baltimore fares against Jacksonville, San Francisco, Miami and Pittsburgh? — Ed Helinski Come on Ed, why do you want “Swami” on the spot? I think the Ravens go 3-1, with the loss coming to San Francisco. It’s hard to leave a day earlier than usual, travel and play in a West Coast city on Christmas Day. Actually, it’s absurd, but television rights pay big money and the NFL caters to the networks’ desires. I love the word “balance,” and it’s the key to success in the NFL. The Ravens have that with a top-five ranking in both offense and defense, and that’s hard to beat. Miami has a great offense, but the Dolphins struggle against the run. Jacksonville can throw the ball but has a mediocre rushing attack, and the Jaguars have the second-worst pass defense in the NFL. The Ravens and Steelers always play each other tough. That game could be played under the bridge on Russell Street and it would be hard to predict a winner, but Pittsburgh could have backup Mitch Trubisky at quarterback and he is good for one or two interceptions a game. That leaves the 49ers, a team that is even more balanced than the Ravens. But weird things keep happening in favor of Baltimore. Ever notice how opposing quarterbacks suffer injuries before they play the Ravens? Even Miami receiver Tyreek Hill went down with an ankle injury Monday night in the Dolphins’ shocking loss to the Tennessee Titans. Somebody over at The Castle is living right. Former Ravens coach Brian Billick used to say that a team has to be good to win a Super Bowl, but fate also plays a major part. The Ravens have been on a roll and will continue that streak through December and into the playoffs. Fate, good luck or spiritual faith has been on their side. Wouldn’t it be interesting if Cleveland played the Ravens in the playoffs with Joe Flacco at quarterback? — Bob in NC It would be fun, but stressful at the same time. Flacco was well-liked here in Baltimore and has left a strong legacy. Meanwhile, Jackson is trying to leave a championship legacy of his own. Most Ravens fans want Flacco to do well but not succeed in a matchup against Baltimore. Professionally, that would be a great week for the media, even though neither Jackson nor Flacco say very much. But both are very competitive. It would be kind of fun. Any thoughts to giving a grade about the officiating each game? This is a huge part of the game story many weeks. — Twitter user @Timothy19430971 Nope, because I would give them an “F” every week. Officials have become more involved in determining the outcome of games than ever and it shouldn’t be that way. They miss a lot of obvious calls, and I don’t understand how they have instant replay and still can’t get the call right. I understand there are situational or “bang-bang” plays, but officials are making costly mistakes every week. Sometimes, they become too flag happy and it slows down the pace of the game. It’s been an ugly year for the zebras. So, only one grade every week: “F.” Have a question for Mike Preston? Email sports@baltsun.com with “Ravens mailbag” in the subject line and it could be answered in The Baltimore Sun. View the full article

The Ravens could have a playoff berth wrapped up before Christmas. Entering Week 15 of the NFL regular season, Baltimore leads the AFC North and the conference with a 10-3 record. The Miami Dolphins (9-4), who suffered a shocking loss to the Tennessee Titans on Monday night, are the Ravens’ primary competitors for the AFC’s top seed, which comes with the coveted first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the conference championship game. The Cleveland Browns (8-5), with Joe Flacco at quarterback, are still in the hunt for the division title, along with the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) and Cincinnati Bengals (7-6). Though the Ravens have one of the league’s most daunting schedules down the stretch, starting Sunday night at the Jacksonville Jaguars (8-5), they have a 93% chance to win the division and a a 64% chance of finishing with the AFC’s top seed, according to The New York Times’ playoff simulator, which estimates odds by randomly simulating the remainder of the season thousands of times. While the Ravens are a virtual lock to make the postseason for the second straight year, they haven’t officially cracked the seven-team AFC field. But they can with a win Sunday night in Florida — and some help. According to the NFL, here’s how the Ravens can clinch a playoff spot this weekend: Ravens win + Broncos loss or tie + Bills loss or tie OR Ravens win + Broncos loss or tie + Browns loss or tie OR Ravens win + Broncos loss or tie + Steelers loss or tie OR Ravens win + Broncos loss or tie + Texans loss or tie OR Ravens win + Bills loss or tie + Browns loss or tie OR Ravens win + Bills loss or tie + Steelers loss or tie OR Ravens win + Bills loss or tie + Texans loss or tie OR Ravens win + Browns loss or tie + Steelers-Colts tie OR Ravens win + Texans loss or tie + Steelers-Colts tie (Several additional scenarios involving a Baltimore tie and combination of other teams losing or tying would also clinch a Ravens playoff berth.) The first part of the equation, a Ravens victory, looks favorable with Baltimore having won seven of its past eight games and three straight after a memorable 37-31 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday on Tylan Wallace’s walk-off punt return for a touchdown. The Ravens head to Jacksonville as 3 1/2-point favorites over the Jaguars, who have lost two straight and are dealing with a long list of injuries. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who was knocked out of a 34-31 loss to the Bengals on Dec. 4 with an ankle injury, surprisingly returned Sunday but threw three interceptions in a 31-27 defeat to the Browns. The Denver Broncos (7-6), who have won six of their past seven to jump back into playoff contention, are 4 1/2-point underdogs Saturday night against the host Detroit Lions (9-4), who have lost two of their past three. Lions quarterback Jared Goff has struggled of late, while the Broncos defense has been much improved since ranking as one of the league’s worst early in the season. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag on Marlon Humphrey, Joe Flacco, grading the officials and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | For Ravens’ Tylan Wallace and identical twin, NFL dream came true with game-winning punt return TD: ‘He plays for both of us’ Baltimore Ravens | Joe Flacco signs 1-year deal with Browns loaded with incentives, including playoff run, Super Bowl win Baltimore Ravens | As Ravens try to hold on to AFC’s No. 1 seed, a fierce gantlet awaits Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 15 of 2023 NFL season: Steelers vs. Colts, Bears vs. Browns, Cowboys vs. Bills and more The Buffalo Bills (7-6) are 2-point home favorites Sunday against the visiting Dallas Cowboys (10-3), who have won five straight behind star quarterback and Most Valuable Player front-runner Dak Prescott. Buffalo, led by dynamic quarterback Josh Allen, is coming off a 20-17 road win over the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs aided by an offside penalty against Kadarius Toney that negated a go-ahead touchdown by the wide receiver on a lateral from tight end Travis Kelce with just over a minute left. Losses by the Steelers, Browns or Houston Texans (7-6) would also help the Ravens, as well as a potential tie between Pittsburgh and the host Indianapolis Colts (7-6) on Saturday afternoon. There have not been any ties this season, though the Colts are just a 1 1/2-point favorite in a game featuring backup quarterbacks Mitch Trubisky and Gardner Minshew II going up against a pair of strong defenses. The Browns are 3-point favorites Sunday over the visiting Chicago Bears (5-8), who have won two straight and three of their past four, including a 28-13 victory over the NFC North-leading Lions last week. Quarterback Justin Fields and coach Matt Eberflus are both aiming to prove they should return in 2024 with Chicago, which has shown much improvement on defense since acquiring pass rusher Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders at the trade deadline. Cleveland, meanwhile, is 1-1 since making Flacco the starter, with the 38-year-old quarterback throwing for 565 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions since being signed off the couch late last month. The Texans are 3-point underdogs Sunday against the host Titans (5-8) and could be without star rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, who is in concussion protocol after hitting his head on the turf in Sunday’s 30-6 loss to the New York Jets. Davis Mills, who is 5-19-1 in 26 career starts, is the backup and would face a Titans team that has won two of its past three behind rookie quarterback Will Levis, including a 28-27 win over the Dolphins on Monday night in which Tennessee erased a 14-point deficit in the final 4 1/2 minutes. 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There are 16 sets of brothers currently playing in the NFL. “That was always the dream,” Ravens wide receiver Tylan Wallace told The Baltimore Sun. “We were that close to getting it. Then, unfortunately, things happened.” Long before Wallace delivered the signature moment (so far) of Baltimore’s season in the form of an electric 76-yard punt return for a touchdown to lift the Ravens to an indelible 37-31 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium, he grew up one of five kids in Fort Worth, Texas, and with an identical twin brother, Tracin. Being identical, they already share a closeness that is unique because of a greater proportion of shared genes compared with fraternal twins. But their bond goes even deeper. Before they were born, sonograms showed their heads were always touching, so much so that their mother, Mandi Moore, feared the two were conjoined. And once they were born — Tracin arrived minutes ahead of Tylan — they soon developed their own language that only they could understand, a phenomenon known as Cryptophasia. It was a confounding situation to Moore, who said they communicated only with each other until at least age 3. The situation was also made more complex and difficult for the lifelong school counselor by the fact that she was raising the twins, along with their sister, who is four years older, on her own after the children’s father left when the boys were 2. She leaned on family and friends, but life was still hard at times. “I have great kids, they never gave me any trouble,” Moore told The Sun. “[Their father] just kind of made a choice to not be there. So I just had to do what I had to do for my kids to make sure they had what they needed. “It’s kind of how I look at life. It’s not always easy, it’s not always pleasant, it’s not always the way you thought it would go. You just gotta do what you gotta do to make it happen.” Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag on Marlon Humphrey, Joe Flacco, grading the officials and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | NFL playoff picture: How the Ravens can clinch a postseason berth in Week 15 Baltimore Ravens | Joe Flacco signs 1-year deal with Browns loaded with incentives, including playoff run, Super Bowl win Baltimore Ravens | As Ravens try to hold on to AFC’s No. 1 seed, a fierce gantlet awaits Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 15 of 2023 NFL season: Steelers vs. Colts, Bears vs. Browns, Cowboys vs. Bills and more Tylan and Tracin only made it look easy as standouts in football, baseball and track at South Hills High School. And while they said they never wanted for anything as kids, they weren’t blind to the hardships that go with being a single mom trying to raise five children. They soon faced their own challenges. Tracin, a standout quarterback as a freshman, suffered a torn ACL that wiped out his junior season in 2015. Then he tore the same ACL two games into his senior season. Tylan, meanwhile, was a star receiver who drew scholarship offers from prominent programs such as Michigan, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and Oregon. Oklahoma State was the best team, however, that was interested in both. “That was always the plan since growing up; we’re gonna go to college and ball out together,” Tracin told The Sun. “Then the dream’s always been to go to the NFL and be there together. That’s been our goal since were little.” And that’s what they did, until the fourth quarter of a 58-17 blowout of Missouri State to open the 2018 season. Quarterback Keondre Wudtee connected with Tracin, who was lined up in the slot, on a screen pass and the receiver was crunched after a 1-yard gain. That wound up being the first, and last, catch of Tracin’s career. He suffered a third torn ACL to the same knee. His career was over. In all, he underwent four surgeries, including bone graft and microfracture procedures. “There was definitely an adjustment,” Tracin said of life after football. “There was a time when I signed my medic’s form where I couldn’t compete anymore. I didn’t know what I’d do. “I’d go to school and after that I’d come home and my brother and roommate would be at practice. It was definitely a tough time, him being on the field.” For the Ravens’ Tylan Wallace, his dramatic 76-yard game-winning punt return for a touchdown against the Rams was as much a dream for him as it was for his identical twin brother, whose own NFL hopes were dashed. (Jerry Jackson/Staff) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace flips into the end zone after retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace flips into the end zone after retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace scores his first career touchdown, retuning a punt 76-yards as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, center, runs 76-yards for a punt return game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Rams in the quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Justice Hill, center, makes a key block on Los Angeles Rams punter Ethan Evans, left, allowing RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, right, to score the game-winning touchdown in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) For the Ravens' Tylan Wallace, his dramatic 76-yard game-winning punt return for a touchdown was as much a dream for him as it was for his identical twin brother, whose own NFL dreams were dashed. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, left, is congratulated by teammate Odafe Oweh after scoring the game-winning touchdown against the Rams in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, center, is congratulated by RamsÕ Jason Taylor II as Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, right, celebrates after the Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace celebrates with teammates after retuning a punt for the game winning touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, right, celebrates with teammate Lamar Jackson, left, after the Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs through defenders, returning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs through defenders, retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens' Tylan Wallace, center, runs 76-yards for a punt return game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Rams in the quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Show Caption of Expand With an uncertain future, Tracin hung around the football program, working out with the team in the offseason because he didn’t know what else to do and couldn’t bear the thought of not being around his brother. Tylan, meanwhile, went on to have a prolific college career, with 3,434 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns over four years, including 1,491 yards and 12 scores as a sophomore in 2018. The following year, however, Tylan suffered his own torn ACL and missed the final five games of the season. He bounced back in 2020, though, and was a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the nation’s best receiver. Despite his own success — or, more accurately, because of it — he had carried guilt with him through it all. A few months before being selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL draft by the Ravens, he penned an emotional letter to his brother. “We made; it’s here now,” it read. “We’ve been inseparable since birth, but we knew this day would eventually come. A bitter sweet moment. We carried each other through the good, the bad and the unforeseen. We started in the backyard of our childhood home just throwing the football around with no idea of where the love of the game would take us. From Blue Raider to Wedgewood to South Hills and then Oklahoma State. “Although our paths did align how we exactly thought, we embraced what life threw at us. With the support from one another, there is nothing we can’t accomplish or overcome. So, here we go brother, our paths are taking a turn. Even though we won’t be physically together, you’ll still forever be by my side. Our story will be one to remember; the Wallace brothers bonded by the love of the game.” Nearly 1,300 miles separate Baltimore from Stillwater, Oklahoma, but there is a connection between the two otherwise disparate locales. Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s son, Travis, is in his fourth season as a student football assistant for Oklahoma State, and on Sunday, Tracin and the other Cowboys coaches were gathered at the team’s facility watching the day’s games as usual. The room “went crazy,” Tracin said, when his brother broke free, stayed on his feet down the left sideline and eventually flipped into the end zone for the winning score. It’s just the fourth overtime punt return for a touchdown in NFL history. “It was tough not being able to be [in the NFL] with him,” Tracin said. “I think in a way he plays for both of us.” Moore, meanwhile, was at home in Texas with her daughter, youngest son and granddaughter streaming the game from her phone onto the television. Before Wallace even caught the punt, her phone was blowing up with text messages about the dramatic conclusion. It was still a nerve-wracking moment before chaos likewise broke out in the Moore household. “I dislike him being on punt return; it’s the most stressful thing for me to watch for him to be back there to have all the pressure on him,” said Moore, whose son was only returning the punt because two-time Pro Bowl return specialist Devin Duvernay was injured earlier in the game. “I was a nervous wreck.” There was a time when she was concerned, too, about the twins being apart after Tylan was drafted and moved to Baltimore. “When he was drafted was the first time they hadn’t lived under same roof,” she said. “That was such a huge change. I was worried for them both, honestly.” Tracin was the first person Tylan called after the game — they speak five or six times a day — and the barely younger twin recounted the play and regaled his sibling with details of the celebratory dousing he took from teammates in the locker room. His mom, whom he surprised with a new Mercedes-Benz a week earlier, was next. “It’s been a long time coming,” she said of the touchdown. “I knew one of these days he would get his moment.” It’s one that Wallace has since watched “a million times,” he said, and will continue to watch even as he continues as the Ravens’ punt returner for now with Duvernay on injured reserve and out for the rest of the regular season. On the return, Wallace broke one tackle, then another. With running back Justice Hill blocking punter Ethan Evans out of the way, Rams defensive back Shaun Jolly was the last player who had a chance to tackle him. He clipped Wallace’s feet as he raced down the left sideline and the receiver stumbled. “I could’ve gone down, but I thought I made it this far I can’t go down,” he said. “It’s a moment you want to live forever. It’s like a dream.” For Wallace, and for his twin brother. Week 15 Ravens at Jaguars Sunday, 8:20 p.m. TV: NBC Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM Line: Ravens by 3 1/2 View the full article

BEREA, Ohio — Joe Flacco’s officially signed and sealed with Cleveland. He’s already delivered. Flacco got a one-year, $4.05 million contract — loaded with incentives — on Thursday from the Browns, who brought in the veteran quarterback last month while in emergency mode after losing starter Deshaun Watson for the season with a right shoulder injury. Flacco’s deal means the 38-year-old moves from the practice squad to the active roster. And while it was more procedural than anything, it assures he’ll be with the Browns (8-5) as they try to clinch a playoff spot. The team elevated Flacco from the practice squad in each of the past two weeks to start games against the Los Angeles Rams and Jacksonville. While he was on the practice squad, other teams could have signed him, and Flacco wasn’t aware of any trying. “I wouldn’t have went, though, anyway,” he said. “It’s been great here.” Flacco can earn $75,000 for each win in any of Cleveland’s four remaining regular-season games, a person familiar with the financial terms told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the incentives haven’t been made public. Additionally, Flacco can make $250,000 for a wild-card win, $500,000 for a divisional playoff win, $1 million for an AFC title and another $2 million if the Browns win the Super Bowl. ESPN first reported terms of Flacco’s deal. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag on Marlon Humphrey, Joe Flacco, grading the officials and more | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | NFL playoff picture: How the Ravens can clinch a postseason berth in Week 15 Baltimore Ravens | For Ravens’ Tylan Wallace and identical twin, NFL dream came true with game-winning punt return TD: ‘He plays for both of us’ Baltimore Ravens | As Ravens try to hold on to AFC’s No. 1 seed, a fierce gantlet awaits Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 15 of 2023 NFL season: Steelers vs. Colts, Bears vs. Browns, Cowboys vs. Bills and more Flacco has been something of a savior for the Browns, who have been decimated by injuries and yet are still in the thick of the playoff race. When Flacco beat the Jaguars in his home debut last week, Cleveland became just the seventh team in the Super Bowl era to have four quarterbacks win games in the same season. A father of five, Flacco was home in New Jersey pondering his future and wondering if his career was over when the Browns called. The former Super Bowl Most Valuable Player with the Ravens tried out, signed on Nov. 20 and is back leading a team. It’s possible Flacco’s stay in Cleveland could extend beyond this season, but he’s only focused on playing this week. Could he be back with the Browns in 2024? “Who knows?” he said. “I’m just taking it day by day still and trying to go out there and do my best on Sundays. I know I want to play. So me wanting to play is not in question.” It hasn’t taken Flacco long to mesh with his teammates, some of whom have been impressed with how quickly he’s picked up Cleveland’s offense. “I’ve been surprised myself,” wide receiver Amari Cooper said. “He seems to be very poised back there. He just seems to have a great understanding of what’s expected of the quarterback position. I’ve been very surprised by him, by how fast he was able to pick up the playbook and things like that.” Flacco’s calm demeanor was on display last week against Jacksonville. As the Jaguars mounted a fourth-quarter rally, Flacco was on the sideline making sure the offense was ready for whatever came next. “He’s seen it all, been a part of it all,” said All-Pro left guard Joel Bitonio. “So he was just focused on talking about the clock, where it’s going to be. If we get the ball back under two minutes, we’re going to be able to take a knee. If not, we got to get a first down. “All these different aspects. I just think it comes with experience, and it’s one of those things where we appreciate that and hopefully we can keep rolling with it.” Notes: DE Ogbo Okoronkwo (pectoral), DT Jordan Elliott (concussion), C Ethan Pocic (neck stinger) and S Juan Thornhill (calf) missed practice. Okoronkwo is expected to join Cleveland’s long list of players on injured reserve. Okoronkwo returned to the field after getting hurt on final play of the thid quarter last week. “He had one arm,” coordinator Jim Schwartz said. “I didn’t even realize it as the game was going on. I watched the film, almost threw up that he was out there. He’s a tough guy and he actually did his job in the scheme.” View the full article

Do they want to be the No. 1 seed in the AFC, a status that did them little good the last time they earned it in 2019? Of course the Ravens do. “We want it bad,” linebacker Patrick Queen said as they started preparations for the Jacksonville Jaguars, the first foe in a vicious three-game run that will likely determine where and when the Ravens begin their postseason. They didn’t start the season explicitly aiming for the top seed and the first-round bye that comes with it. Back in September, they were more apt to talk about returning to the playoffs for the fifth time in six seasons or reclaiming supremacy in the AFC North, which they haven’t won since 2019. Now that the top spot is clearly within reach, however — they would earn it if they win their last four games — why deny it’s a tasty objective? “Obviously, you work all year to get in the playoffs, that’s the No. 1 thing, and then you’ve got an opportunity to separate yourself from the pack,” right tackle Morgan Moses said. “You want to do that. Our home is a different feel. You can tell by the false starts the opposing teams have been getting. So obviously, home-field advantage is a big thing.” To see the wisdom in this, they need only look to Kansas City, where the Chiefs made the Super Bowl three of the past four years without ever playing a road playoff game. On Wednesday, the Ravens announced tickets for a potential home wild-card game — which they could avoid by earning that No. 1 seed — would go on sale Friday morning, making the impending postseason feel that much more concrete. “Every game counts,” Moses said. “But now, it’s like it counts double.” Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 15 of 2023 NFL season: Steelers vs. Colts, Bears vs. Browns, Cowboys vs. Bills and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars scouting report for Week 15: Who has the edge? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s Week 15 game in Jacksonville? Baltimore Ravens | Tickets for possible Ravens playoff game go on sale Friday morning Baltimore Ravens | Injured Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton practices Wednesday but status against Jaguars ‘up in the air’ Though many projection systems — ESPN, New York Times, Aaron Schatz’s defense-adjusted value over average (DVOA) — list the Ravens as a clear favorite to hold onto the AFC’s No. 1 seed and earn a first-round playoff bye, they won’t face a single pushover on their trek to that summit. They’re favored for their Sunday night contest against the Jaguars and almost certainly will be for their New Year’s Eve showdown with the Miami Dolphins, their closest pursuer in the conference standings. But both those teams feature star quarterbacks, Trevor Lawrence for the Jaguars and Tua Tagovailoa for the Dolphins, with deadly playmakers at their disposal. Both rank top 10 in DVOA, a play-by-play measure of total efficiency. Those critical AFC games are sandwiched around a Christmas night slugfest with the San Francisco 49ers, only the top seed in the NFC and the fifth best team through 13 games, as measured by DVOA, since 1981. Think of the ground that covers, but the 49ers are loaded on both sides of the ball, with a trio of superstar playmakers — running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk — supporting quarterback Brock Purdy, not to mention the league’s top scoring defense led by All-Pro candidates Fred Warner and Nick Bosa. Though the Ravens have already matched their win total from last season and could clinch a playoff berth as early as Sunday, their grip on the top spot in the conference, and even the top spot in the AFC North, is less certain. If they go 2-2 against the league’s toughest remaining schedule, they could be passed by the Dolphins, the Chiefs (with the seventh easiest remaining schedule, per DVOA) or even the Cleveland Browns, suddenly resurgent with former Raven Joe Flacco at quarterback. Coach John Harbaugh, who’s looking to make the playoffs for the 11th time in his 16-year tenure, doesn’t want his team obsessing over such calculations. He knows one thing for sure: all nine playoff-clinching scenarios available to the Ravens this weekend hinge on defeating the Jaguars. “Our guys understand that we have to go earn everything we get, and if we earn it, then we’ll get it. If we don’t earn it, we won’t,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “So, we’re going to try to win as many games as we can, climb as high as we can.” (Kevin Richardson/Staff) “There’s no No. 1 seed,” Harbaugh said. “There’s no such thing as that right now. Just because they put a bracket on the TV screen, it doesn’t mean anything. It’s what you do. So our guys understand that we have to go earn everything we get, and if we earn it, then we’ll get it. If we don’t earn it, we won’t. So, we’re going to try to win as many games as we can, climb as high as we can.” Good luck getting players to talk about the opponents that await beyond Jacksonville. Asked if he sees this trio of matchups with fellow division leaders as a useful playoff preview, quarterback Lamar Jackson did not bite. “I like playing football,” he said. “So it really doesn’t matter.” Fair enough. But Moses is in his 10th season and had suited up for exactly two playoff games before he came to Baltimore last year, so he takes none of this for granted. “There’s a lot of teams around the league right now that are not playing for this opportunity we have,” Moses said. “You’ve got to lock in. You’ve got to be focused. You’ve got to be grateful. It doesn’t come around often. You’ve got guys in this locker room who’ve been in the league 10 years and never sniffed the playoffs.” Fans debate whether the Ravens might be better off playing in the wild-card round given how flat they came out against the Tennessee Titans after their first-round bye in 2019. But if that’s at all a discussion within the team, it’s one for later. For Queen, the stretch ahead is about more than securing a particular playoff path. He doesn’t want the Ravens stumbling toward their destiny. “You don’t want anybody to be able to say, ‘Yes, we got one on you,’” he said. “You want to be dominant. You want to be fierce. You want to be feared. You want to go into the playoffs knowing everybody has the mindset of, ‘Man, we have to play Baltimore.’ So, I think when we go into these last four games, we’re looking to just dominate everybody. Everybody’s on our list.” Week 15 Ravens at Jaguars Sunday, 8:20 p.m. TV: NBC Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM Line: Ravens by 3 1/2 View the full article

Baltimore Sun staff writers pick every game of the NFL season. Here’s who they have winning in Week 15: Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas Raiders (Thursday, 8:15 p.m.) Brian Wacker (129-79 season; 6-9 last week): Raiders Childs Walker (130-78 season; 5-10 last week): Raiders Mike Preston (121-87 season; 7-8 last week): Raiders C.J. Doon (137-71 season; 10-5 last week): Raiders Tim Schwartz (121-87 season; 3-12 last week): Raiders Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals (Saturday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Bengals Walker: Bengals Preston: Bengals Doon: Bengals Schwartz: Bengals Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts (Saturday, 4:30 p.m.) Wacker: Colts Walker: Steelers Preston: Colts Doon: Steelers Schwartz: Colts Denver Broncos at Detroit Lions (Saturday, 8:15 p.m.) Wacker: Lions Walker: Lions Preston: Lions Doon: Broncos Schwartz: Lions Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars scouting report for Week 15: Who has the edge? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s Week 15 game in Jacksonville? Baltimore Ravens | Tickets for possible Ravens playoff game go on sale Friday morning Baltimore Ravens | Injured Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton practices Wednesday but status against Jaguars ‘up in the air’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens add fourth QB Malik Cunningham with eyes on the future: ‘He’s got all types of potential’ Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Falcons Walker: Falcons Preston: Falcons Doon: Falcons Schwartz: Falcons Chicago Bears at Cleveland Browns (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Browns Walker: Browns Preston: Browns Doon: Browns Schwartz: Browns Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Packers Walker: Packers Preston: Buccaneers Doon: Packers Schwartz: Packers New York Jets at Miami Dolphins (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Dolphins Walker: Dolphins Preston: Dolphins Doon: Dolphins Schwartz: Dolphins New York Giants at New Orleans Saints (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Giants Walker: Saints Preston: Saints Doon: Saints Schwartz: Giants Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Texans Walker: Texans Preston: Titans Doon: Titans Schwartz: Titans Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Chiefs Walker: Chiefs Preston: Chiefs Doon: Chiefs Schwartz: Chiefs San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals (Sunday, 4:05 p.m.) Wacker: 49ers Walker: 49ers Preston: 49ers Doon: 49ers Schwartz: 49ers Washington Commanders at Los Angeles Rams (Sunday, 4:05 p.m.) Wacker: Rams Walker: Rams Preston: Rams Doon: Rams Schwartz: Rams Dallas Cowboys at Buffalo Bills (Sunday, 4:25 p.m.) Wacker: Cowboys Walker: Bills Preston: Cowboys Doon: Cowboys Schwartz: Bills Philadelphia Eagles at Seattle Seahawks (Monday, 8:15 p.m.) Wacker: Eagles Walker: Eagles Preston: Eagles Doon: Seahawks Schwartz: Eagles View the full article

The Ravens outlasted the Los Angeles Rams, 37-31, on an overtime punt return touchdown by unlikely hero Tylan Wallace. The Jaguars lost, 31-27, to the Cleveland Browns. Who will have the edge when these AFC division leaders meet Sunday night? Ravens passing game vs. Jaguars pass defense Lamar Jackson saved his best for last against the Rams, staring down pressure to make a pair of brilliant throws, one for a touchdown, the other for a 2-point conversion, in the last two minutes of regulation. Jackson threw for 316 yards and three touchdowns despite misfiring on several deep throws in damp conditions. One of the big plays he connected on was to wide-open tight end Isaiah Likely, who has caught nine passes for 123 yards in the Ravens’ two full games without Mark Andrews. Coordinator Todd Monken has used motion to capitalize on Likely’s acceleration to the outside, not replacing Andrews but giving the Ravens a different dimension. Odell Beckham Jr. said he ran the wrong route on a 46-yard touchdown catch against the Rams, but he made a beautiful adjustment to Jackson’s throw, showing why he’s perhaps the top deep threat on the team at age 31. Flowers, who leads the Ravens in targets, catches and receiving yards, was the man Jackson looked for in the clutch. The offensive line played one of its best games as well, containing All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald on the inside while veteran tackles Ronnie Stanley and Morgan Moses returned to form on the edges. Jackson will try to maintain his production against a Jacksonville defense that has slipped from third in FTN Fantasy’s defense-adjusted value over average (DVOA) over the first seven weeks to 17th over the past seven weeks. Former Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco shredded the Jaguars for 311 yards and three touchdowns in Cleveland’s victory last Sunday, and Cincinnati Bengals backup Jake Browning threw for 354 in beating Jacksonville the week before. The Jaguars blitz on an above-average 29% of dropbacks but have just 27 sacks to show for it. Josh Allen, their 2019 first-round pick, is responsible for half of those along with 24 quarterback hits and 13 tackles for loss, so containing him will be priority No. 1 for Stanley and Moses. Travon Walker, the first pick in the 2022 draft, is Jacksonville’s other threat from the edge, though he has yet to stand out consistently. Former Raven Darious Williams is easily the top player in the secondary with 19 passes defended. Jacksonville is vulnerable at the other corner, where starter Tyson Campbell is dealing with a quadriceps injury. The Jaguars have defended well on third down, less so in the red zone, where opponents have scored touchdowns on 56.4% of their possessions. EDGE: Ravens Jaguars passing game vs. Ravens pass defense Trevor Lawrence started against the Browns, a week after he suffered a high-ankle sprain against Cincinnati. He completed just 28 of 50 passes with three interceptions against Cleveland’s elite defense but did rally the Jaguars for a pair of 75-yard touchdown drives in the fourth quarter. At his best, the 6-foot-6 Lawrence is mobile and accurate, qualities he showed in beating the Ravens last November. Lawrence lost one of his favorite targets when wide receiver Christian Kirk went on injured reserve, but he still has wide receiver Calvin Ridley (55 catches on 97 targets, 742 yards, five touchdowns) and tight end Evan Engram (84 catches on 103 targets, 701 yards, three touchdowns). As well as the Ravens have covered overall, they’re 12th in DVOA against tight ends, and they could be without safety Kyle Hamilton, who hurt his knee against the Rams, as a long, mobile option to blanket Engram. Hamilton did practice Wednesday with a brace on his left knee. Lawrence has taken 31 sacks, same as Jackson. With left tackle Cam Robinson on injured reserve and backup Walker Little dealing with a hamstring injury — he’s expected back this week — Lawrence will face the Ravens’ scary pass rush behind suboptimal protection. The Browns sacked him four times, hit him 12 times and knocked away 10 passes. The Ravens lead the league with 49 sacks despite ranking 23rd in blitz rate. Defensive tackle Justin Madubuike is an every-week terror coming off a six-pressure star turn against the Rams. Outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy also delivered one of his best games of the season with five pressures. The Ravens allow just 4.4. yards per pass attempt in part because they keep quarterbacks guessing; 15 defenders have at least one sack in coordinator Mike Macdonald’s ever-shifting rush designs. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 294 yards and three scores because he trusted wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua to make exceptional catches on daring attempts against pressure. Lawrence will have to play with similar confidence to give his team a chance. The Rams also took advantage of Pro Bowl cornerback Marlon Humphrey in his first game back from a calf injury, but Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Humphrey is the least of his concerns. The possible absence of Hamilton, the Ravens’ most versatile defender, would be a greater worry. EDGE: Ravens Ravens running game vs. Jaguars run defense The Ravens played from behind more than usual against the Rams, so they attempted just 26 runs, down from their season average of 32. They rolled up 139 yards thanks to Jackson’s wizardly scrambles and an efficient game from rookie Keaton Mitchell, who’s averaging a remarkable 8.5 yards per carry. They might have liked to use Mitchell more, but they trust Justice Hill as a pass blocker. Gus Edwards carried just six times for 15 yards against the Rams and is averaging a career-low 4.1 yards per carry despite his excellent work near the goal line. The Ravens lead the league in rushing and rank second in yards per carry. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 15 of 2023 NFL season: Steelers vs. Colts, Bears vs. Browns, Cowboys vs. Bills and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s Week 15 game in Jacksonville? Baltimore Ravens | Tickets for possible Ravens playoff game go on sale Friday morning Baltimore Ravens | Injured Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton practices Wednesday but status against Jaguars ‘up in the air’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens add fourth QB Malik Cunningham with eyes on the future: ‘He’s got all types of potential’ They’ll try to pump up those numbers against a Jaguars defense that has defended the run well at times but gave up 156 rushing yards to the Bengals and 144 in a blowout loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Jacksonville has one of the league’s best inside linebacker duos in Devin Lloyd and Foyesade Oluokun, who could be headed for the Pro Bowl with 138 tackles (eight for loss). The Jaguars did a solid job against the Ravens’ backs last season but had no answer for Jackson, who carried 14 times for 89 yards in that 28-27 loss. EDGE: Ravens Jaguars running game vs. Ravens run defense The Jaguars have not run efficiently, averaging just 3.6 yards per carry and ranking 24th in rush DVOA. Travis Etienne (806 yards, nine touchdowns) is their top option, but he’s averaging 3.7 yards per carry, down from 5.1 his rookie season. Though Lawrence is a threat to run, he has dialed back his attempts over the past six games and will likely try to protect his ankle. Despite their struggles on the ground, look for Jacksonville to run at the Ravens early, a strategy that worked for the Rams. Though Macdonald’s defense adjusted in the second half, it still gave up 128 yards on 30 carries for the game. Inside linebackers Patrick Queen and Roquan Smith played well, but the Ravens need sturdier work against the run from interior linemen Michael Pierce, Travis Jones and Broderick Washington. EDGE: Ravens Ravens special teams vs. Jaguars special teams The Ravens vaulted from 16th to fifth in special teams DVOA thanks to Wallace’s magnificent 76-yard return, three made field goals by Justin Tucker in the rain and sound coverage against the Rams’ bumbling units. It was the best performance of the season for coordinator Chris Horton’s crew. Wallace will continue to field punts now that Devin Duvernay is on injured reserve, while Hill will likely take kickoffs. Jacksonville ranks ninth in special teams DVOA because of outstanding punt coverage and a solid season from kicker Brandon McManus, who has made 24 of 28 field goal attempts, including 5 of 7 from 50 yards or beyond. The Jaguars also have a pair of above-average returners in Jamal Agnew, whom they just designated for return from injured reserve, and rookie Parker Washington. EDGE: Even Ravens intangibles vs. Jaguars intangibles The Ravens have put themselves in position to claim the AFC’s No. 1 seed by winning seven of their past eight games. Wallace’s punt return against the Rams led to their most euphoric celebration of the season. Will those good vibes carry forward for a team that now sees itself as an inner-circle contender? The Ravens are 5-1 on the road this year and won’t overlook the Jaguars, who upset them in Jacksonville a year ago. The Jaguars have not enjoyed their tour of the AFC North, dropping close games to the Bengals and Browns to fall out of the top spot in the conference. They’re seeking a second consecutive playoff berth under coach Doug Pederson but need to watch out for the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts, lurking one game back in the AFC South. The Jaguars are just 3-4 at home, with double-digit losses to the Texans and 49ers. EDGE: Ravens Prediction Will Lawrence make fewer mistakes against the Ravens’ pressure than he did last weekend against the Browns? If not, it’s difficult to see where the Jaguars have a matchup advantage against the Ravens, who have been a better all-around team for the last two months. Jackson simply has more ways to win against a slumping Jacksonville defense. Ravens 30, Jaguars 24 View the full article

Here’s how The Baltimore Sun sports staff views the outcome of Sunday night’s Week 15 game between the Ravens (10-3) and the Jaguars (8-5) at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville. Brian Wacker, reporter Ravens 27, Jaguars 20: The Ravens’ trip to Jacksonville last year was a memorable one, as the Jaguars scored a touchdown with 14 seconds remaining and added a 2-point conversion before Justin Tucker missed a 67-yard field goal attempt as time expired in a 28-27 win. This one shouldn’t be quite as close, even with quarterback Trevor Lawrence expected to play. Baltimore has played its best in big games and this one qualifies as the Ravens look to beat the AFC South leaders and inch closer to locking up the top seed in the conference. The Ravens’ offense has also been humming, particularly through the air with Lamar Jackson, and the Jaguars have allowed the second-most passing yards per game in the league. They’ve been much tougher against the run, allowing the third-fewest rushing yards per game, but the Ravens also boast the league’s top ground attrack. And Baltimore’s defense is still giving up the second-fewest points per game. Mike Preston, columnist Ravens 27, Jaguars 21: Despite reports, Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence can’t be 100%, not with a high ankle sprain. The Jaguars have enough offense to hang around for maybe three quarters, but the Ravens should be able to pull away with a strong running game in the fourth. December is the month when good teams start winning and building momentum for a playoff run. Jacksonville has lost two straight. Childs Walker, reporter Ravens 30, Jaguars 24: Will Trevor Lawrence make fewer mistakes against the Ravens’ pressure than he did last weekend against the Browns? If not, it’s difficult to see where the Jaguars have a matchup advantage against the Ravens, who have been a better all-around team for the past two months. Lamar Jackson simply has more ways to win against a slumping Jacksonville defense. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 15 of 2023 NFL season: Steelers vs. Colts, Bears vs. Browns, Cowboys vs. Bills and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars scouting report for Week 15: Who has the edge? Baltimore Ravens | Tickets for possible Ravens playoff game go on sale Friday morning Baltimore Ravens | Injured Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton practices Wednesday but status against Jaguars ‘up in the air’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens add fourth QB Malik Cunningham with eyes on the future: ‘He’s got all types of potential’ C.J. Doon, editor Ravens 34, Jaguars 23: Perhaps Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence will feel better two weeks removed from an ankle injury, but even Lawrence at full strength would have a tough time against this Ravens defense. With leading receiver Christian Kirk on injured reserve, running back Travis Etienne Jr. nursing a rib injury and instability along the offensive line, it’s hard to envision Jacksonville being able to keep up with the Ravens, especially with the way Lamar Jackson and company are playing right now. The Jags’ best hope is tight end Evan Engram, who had a career-high-tying 11 catches for 95 yards and two touchdowns against the Browns last week to continue a standout season. He could create matchup problems if star safety Kyle Hamilton is limited by his knee injury or can’t play. Tim Schwartz, editor Ravens 31, Jaguars 20: The Jaguars were humming in October with five straight wins. Since then, they’ve been blown out by the 49ers, hung on to beat the Texans by three and are coming off two straight losses to the Bengals and Browns by a combined seven points. Trevor Lawrence threw three interceptions in last week’s loss to Cleveland and is hobbled by an ankle injury he suffered against Cincinnati, and this is not the defense you want to face when you’re slowed by a lower-leg injury. This is a middle-of-the-road offense when healthy. The Ravens have shown no signs of slowing down offensively and should have no issues scoring. These are teams trending in opposite directions. View the full article

Tickets for a possible Ravens wild-card playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium will go on sale Friday morning, the team announced Wednesday. They can be purchased beginning at 10 a.m. on the Ravens’ website. If Baltimore does not host a wild-card game, refunds will be issued automatically. “We’re thrilled to be in a position to offer fans tickets for a possible home playoff game,” Ravens senior vice president of ticket sales and operations Baker Koppleman said. “The enthusiasm for playoff football surrounding our team and city is building, and it will be exciting to see what the next several weeks have in store for the Ravens Flock.” The Ravens, who play the Jaguars Sunday night in Jacksonville, currently have the AFC’s best record at 10-3 and have a chance to be the conference’s top seed in the playoffs, which would grant them a bye in the wild-card round and home field advantage through the AFC championship. Wild-card games will be played on Jan. 13, 14 or 15, with the winners advancing to the divisional round. View the full article

Kyle Hamilton’s status for Sunday night’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars is “up in the air,” the Ravens safety said Wednesday. The second-year star out of Notre Dame sprained his left knee in Sunday’s overtime win over the Los Angeles Rams. He was back on the practice field in Owings Mills on Wednesday, though he was a limited participant. “I’m feeling good,” Hamilton said. “Still not sure [if I’ll play], [it’s] up in the air. Went out there today and felt pretty good.” Coach John Harbaugh said Monday that Hamilton would be “day to day” and on Wednesday was happy to see him back on the field. “I thought he looked pretty good,” Harbaugh said. “He was out of there for most of the practice. We’ll see how he progresses as the week goes on.” The Ravens (10-3) can ill-afford to lose perhaps their best defensive player for any length of time with just four games remaining in the regular season and the next three against some of the top offenses in the league. The Jaguars rank ninth in points per game (24), while the San Francisco 49ers (29.2) and Miami Dolphins (31.6) are second and third, respectively. Jacksonville is also 11th in yards per game (342.7), while San Francisco (402.3) and Miami (423.6) are second and first. Hamilton said he was initially injured on a first-quarter tackle of Rams rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua. “My knee kind of bent a weird way,” he said. “I came back in the next possession, wasn’t even involved in the play [and] my knee just kind of felt weird.” Hamilton retreated to the locker room, had the knee taped and returned to the field before eventually being ruled out in the third quarter after being advised by trainers to not return. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 15 of 2023 NFL season: Steelers vs. Colts, Bears vs. Browns, Cowboys vs. Bills and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars scouting report for Week 15: Who has the edge? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s Week 15 game in Jacksonville? Baltimore Ravens | Tickets for possible Ravens playoff game go on sale Friday morning Baltimore Ravens | Ravens add fourth QB Malik Cunningham with eyes on the future: ‘He’s got all types of potential’ The biggest hurdle to being able to play Sunday, Hamilton said, will be getting the reps he needs for the remainder of the week. “It’s tough to simulate game practice reps,” he said. “You can do as many mental reps as you want, but being out there, seeing live plays, it’s different getting prepared for a game.” The 2022 first-round draft pick has played at an All-Pro level this season, recording 62 tackles, nine passes defensed, three sacks, a forced fumble and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns on Nov. 12. He was just one of three Ravens who were limited in practice, with all 53 players on the active roster on the field. Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (rest) and inside linebacker Roquan Smith (back) were also limited. Linebackers Malik Hamm (ankle) and Malik Harrison (groin) both fully practiced, though Hamm needs to be activated from injured reserve before playing in a game. “That’s a plus for us,” Harbaugh said of having a largely healthy roster going into Week 15. “We’re happy about that. You guys have been around here the last few years. That’s a major plus for us.” One player the Ravens will be without, however, is wide receiver and kick returner Devin Duvernay, who suffered a back injury Sunday and was officially placed on injured reserve Wednesday. That will keep him out for the remainder of the regular season, though Harbaugh said he expects the two-time Pro Bowl return specialist to be back in time for the playoffs. Reserve wideout Tylan Wallace, who had a game-winning 76-yard punt return against the Rams, will continue to return punts. The Jaguars, meanwhile, had 13 players on their injury report, though only cornerback Tyson Campbell (quadricep) and safety Andre Cisco (groin) did not practice. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who injured his ankle in Jacksonville’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Dec. 4 but started and threw three interceptions in their loss to the Browns on Sunday, was a full participant Wednesday. Running back Travis Etienne Jr. (ribs) was limited. Others who were limited include wide receivers Zay Jones (knee) and Jamal Agnew (shoulder); cornerbacks Christian Braswell (hamstring) and Tre Herndon (concussion); offensive linemen Ezra Cleveland (knee) and Walker Little (hamstring); running back D’Ernest Johnson (knee); and rookie tight end Brenton Strange (foot). View the full article

Lamar Jackson draped his arm around Malik Cunningham’s shoulder, making the Ravens’ newest quarterback feel welcome at his first practice with the team after he was signed Tuesday off the New England Patriots’ practice squad. Cunningham was a redshirt at Louisville during Jackson’s last season there in 2017, and they’ve mutually admired one another in the years since. “He’s got all types of potential,” Jackson said of the man who threw for 9,660 yards and ran for another 3,179 while following in his college footsteps. “He’s a great quarterback — explosive, can throw the ball anywhere on the field, make guys miss. He can do it all.” It was unusual to see the Ravens trot out four quarterbacks — Jackson, Cunningham, backup Tyler Huntley and veteran third-stringer Josh Johnson are all on the 53-man roster — for Wednesday’s practice, but it’s a luxury they can afford for the time being given their healthy roster. “It’s definitely different, a unique situation,” coach John Harbaugh said. “From a quarterback perspective, it’s a future type of a move. I think [general manager] Eric [DeCosta] would describe it like that.” Huntley, 25, and Johnson, 37, will be free agents after this season. If Cunningham fits in as well as the Ravens hope, he could become a low-cost candidate to back up Jackson next season. “It’s going to be really interesting to see how he develops,” Harbaugh said of Cunningham. “He’s a quarterback; there’s no doubt about that. He’s here to develop as a quarterback. This is an opportunity. I think when you’re a general manager, you’ve got to look for all those opportunities, and Eric, he’s the best, so he does that.” Cunningham will also work at wide receiver and special teams, where he could help the Ravens sooner rather than later. “He’s a very talented person, so he’ll contribute every way he can,” Harbaugh said. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 15 of 2023 NFL season: Steelers vs. Colts, Bears vs. Browns, Cowboys vs. Bills and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars scouting report for Week 15: Who has the edge? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s Week 15 game in Jacksonville? Baltimore Ravens | Tickets for possible Ravens playoff game go on sale Friday morning Baltimore Ravens | Injured Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton practices Wednesday but status against Jaguars ‘up in the air’ The 25-year-old went undrafted after he spent six years at Louisville, in part because he measured 6 feet tall and a slight 192 pounds at the NFL scouting combine. The Ravens (10-3) showed interest in him as a free agent, but the Patriots (3-10) won the bidding for his services. He was New England’s backup quarterback for one game this season and was elevated from the practice squad for two others after working at wide receiver and on special teams during training camp. At his news conference Wednesday, New England coach Bill Belichick said the Ravens convinced Cunningham to switch teams by pitching his potential fit in their offense. “I think they sold him on the opportunity, the offense,” Belichick told New England reporters. “He and Lamar. Certainly, their offense suits Malik better than probably any other offense in the league does. It makes sense.” The Ravens were happy to swoop in with an eye on next year when their salary cap outlook will be complicated. “We feel like he’s got a great future in the league,” Harbaugh said. View the full article

Most NFL fans have a love-hate relationship with their favorite team’s starting quarterback, unless they win a Super Bowl. Then it takes on a new dynamic of becoming part of folklore and history. Baltimoreans will never forget the iconic Johnny Unitas for glamorizing the position with his stats and titles, nor will they fail to remember Trent Dilfer, the ultimate game manager of the Ravens’ 2000 Super Bowl team. And now there is Joe Flacco. It appeared his 15-year career had come to an end as he lay on his couch and watched games from his home in New Jersey. But Cleveland called him for a workout nearly three weeks ago, and since then the Browns, with Flacco as the starter, have new life after Deshaun Watson’s season-ending shoulder injury last month. They are 1-1 under Flacco and 8-5 overall, and if they win two of their final four regular-season games, they will probably secure a playoff bid. Now, Flacco is the talk of the NFL — and Baltimore — again. You can’t go anywhere without hearing questions or comments about Flacco. The Ravens are the hottest team in the AFC but Flacco, even playing for an AFC North rival, still warms the heart and soul of Baltimoreans. That happens when you complete 22 of 33 passes for 287 yards and three touchdowns in a Super Bowl, as Flacco did in February 2013 in the Ravens’ 34-31 win over the San Francisco 49ers on his way to being named the game’s Most Valuable Player. “No other quarterback had a playoff run like Joe,” said Stephen Holland, a longtime Baltimore football fan and former season-ticket holder. “He was a cult hero in Baltimore because we were Super Bowl champions again. He became the heart and soul of Baltimore and his image was second only to John [Unitas].” But it’s more than titles and wins. Most people can identify with Flacco. He treated his job like someone working 9 to 5. Flacco didn’t talk a lot, but he always stood up after games regardless of how he played. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 15 of 2023 NFL season: Steelers vs. Colts, Bears vs. Browns, Cowboys vs. Bills and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars scouting report for Week 15: Who has the edge? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s Week 15 game in Jacksonville? Baltimore Ravens | Tickets for possible Ravens playoff game go on sale Friday morning Baltimore Ravens | Injured Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton practices Wednesday but status against Jaguars ‘up in the air’ After he signed a six-year, $120.6 million contract that made him the richest quarterback in the NFL in March 2013, Flacco went through the drive-through of a McDonald’s in Aberdeen. He was stoic both on and off the field. The no-thrills personality was part of his attraction, even though some wanted more energy from him. But on Sunday, when Flacco threw for 311 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-27 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Cleveland, Flacco was mobbed by his wife and five kids. Afterward, he said he felt “like a 10-year-old kid.” That’s vintage Flacco. “I think Joe Flacco is unassuming,” said Brandi Mebane, a die-hard Ravens fan and owner of Mebane Design Studio in Baltimore. “There’s no frill and nothing extraordinary about him on the surface, and that’s why most folks identify with him. He’s just like you and I. Someone you encounter day to day, living life in the most ordinary way, often overlooked and underestimated.” Flacco’s addition to Cleveland was like a gift from the football gods to one of the NFL’s most mismanaged franchises. The Browns even made Flacco try out after having played with such awful backups-turned-starters Dorian Thompson-Robinson and P.J. Walker. Arm strength, though, was never a concern with Flacco, the Ravens’ first-round draft pick out of Delaware in 2008. In Ravens history, only former quarterback Vinny Testaverde could throw the ball as far and as hard as Flacco. Joe Flacco is breathing new life into the Browns. (Ron Schwane/AP) In two games with the Browns, Flacco has completed 49 of 89 passes for 565 yards and five touchdowns with two interceptions. Against the Jaguars, he had three touchdown passes of more than 30 yards. Some of those included yards after the catch, but Flacco has put the vertical game back in the Browns offense. He has done it without any big-name receivers, a familiar theme here in Baltimore because the Ravens didn’t give him any either. Cleveland has the often-injured Amari Cooper, and Flacco has a connection with Elijah Moore, whom he spent two years with when both were members of the New York Jets. Cleveland does have a top tight end in David Njoku and a good offensive line, but no top running back with Nick Chubb out of the season. But again, that’s why the signing of Flacco was so important. Maybe he can take Cleveland on a historic run like he did with the Ravens in 2012. He has the arm strength, poise and experience needed, and the Browns have one of the best defenses in the league. During the Ravens’ last Super Bowl run, Flacco had one of the best postseasons ever. In four playoff games, he completed 73 of 126 passes for 1,140 yards and 11 touchdowns with zero interceptions, tying Joe Montana and Kurt Warner for the most touchdowns in a single postseason. He beat Denver’s Peyton Manning and New England’s Tom Brady along the way. No one will ever forget the “Mile High Miracle,” the 70-yard touchdown pass to Jacoby Jones in the final minute of a divisional round victory, a pass so long and so high it had dew on it when it landed in Jones’ hands. Flacco had a passer rating above 100 in those four playoff games. Flacco was never a very mobile quarterback but moved better than most expected. He wasn’t going to deliver that rousing Ray Lewis-type pregame speech, but his demeanor earned him the nickname “Joe Cool” in Baltimore. That personality will benefit him well in Cleveland, too. The Browns didn’t need a rock star quarterback; they needed someone calm at a position that had already been through three starters. When you’ve watched Flacco play the past two weeks, there is some swag there. You can sense an appreciation for a quarterback who hadn’t played in 11 months and spent time throwing the ball around with his brother in the yard the past couple of weeks. Flacco has a new perspective, and that happens when the game is taken away. No team called him after he spent the past few years in Denver, Philadelphia and New York. Now, he is with the Browns, breathing life into a franchise that desperately needs it. Everyone wishes him well, even in Baltimore. Unless, of course, he plays against the Ravens. View the full article

It was third-and-17 from the Rams’ 21-yard line with 1:28 remaining in regulation on a rain-soaked Sunday afternoon at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens were trailing by five, so a field goal was useless, and coach John Harbaugh said later that no matter what happened they would be going for it if they didn’t convert the first down. Of course, it never got to that point. Lamar Jackson drifted back from the shotgun and ripped a tight spiral to an in-cutting Zay Flowers at the goal line for a touchdown as pass rushers Aaron Donald and Byron Young closed in on the quarterback. No less important was the next play, when Jackson rolled right, cut back to the inside on hard-charging linebacker Ernest Jones and, just as defensive tackle Jonah Williams hit his legs, zipped another dart to Flowers, who had cut back to the outside in the back right corner of the end zone for the 2-point conversion. These were the exclamation points on a go-ahead drive that would help propel Baltimore to an eventual and memorable 37-31 overtime victory. But it was the entirety of the 13-play, 75-yard march engineered by mostly the right arm of Jackson that stood out as he completed 7 of 10 passes for 73 yards and in doing so continued to elevate himself in the NFL Most Valuable Player conversation with four weeks remaining in the regular season. “I think Lamar played one of the best quarterback games [Sunday] that you can play,” Harbaugh said. Said Donald, the star defensive tackle who registered zero tackles: “Just elusive, man. He’s so hard to get to.” And impossible to ignore when it comes to the possibility of capturing a second career MVP award after being the unanimous choice in 2019. While Jackson is unlikely to match all of the gaudy numbers he put up four years ago — 3,127 passing yards and 36 touchdowns to go with 1,206 rushing yards and seven more scores — he is on pace for career highs in passing yards (2,934 through 13 games) and completion rate (66.8%). He’s still dangerous with his legs, too, with 644 rushing yards and five touchdowns. And he has been without security blanket Mark Andrews since Baltimore’s Nov. 17 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, during which the star tight end suffered an ankle injury that will keep him out for at least the rest of the regular season. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 15 of 2023 NFL season: Steelers vs. Colts, Bears vs. Browns, Cowboys vs. Bills and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars scouting report for Week 15: Who has the edge? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s Week 15 game in Jacksonville? Baltimore Ravens | Tickets for possible Ravens playoff game go on sale Friday morning Baltimore Ravens | Injured Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton practices Wednesday but status against Jaguars ‘up in the air’ Just as importantly, Jackson has guided the Ravens (10-3) to the AFC’s best record and is now 14-3 in his career in December, the NFL’s second-best mark since 2018 behind only New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is 17-3. It will be difficult to keep up that pace with games remaining at the Jacksonville Jaguars (8-5) and San Francisco 49ers (10-3) and home against the Miami Dolphins (9-4) and AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6). But the toughest remaining schedule in the NFL also presents an opportunity for Jackson to cement himself as the 11th player to win multiple MVP awards. “He’s one of a kind,” Harbaugh said. “There’s nobody like Lamar Jackson.” Jackson has the third-best odds (+550) to win the MVP award, according to FanDuel, and there is plenty of competition, starting with the favorite, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (+155). The 30-year-old two-time Pro Bowl selection and former Offensive Rookie of the Year is the best quarterback in the NFL right now. He has completed 69.3% of his passes for 3,505 yards with 28 touchdowns to just two interceptions. Prescott also just beat the Eagles, completing 24 of 39 passes for 271 yards and two scores in the heavyweight bout between NFC East rivals that Dallas won in a rout, 33-13. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, left, and Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott are among the favorites to win the 2023 NFL Most Valuable Player Award. (Sam Hodde/AP) Right there with Prescott is 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, who has the second-best odds (+165). The second-year passer out of Iowa State — who was the last pick in the 2022 draft — has completed 70.2% of his passes for 3,553 yards with 25 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He has also made big-time plays in big games, with 11 touchdown passes and zero interceptions in wins over the Cowboys, Jaguars and Eagles. And before the Eagles lost to the 49ers, Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts (+1000 odds) was humming. In addition to his 3,192 passing yards and 19 touchdowns (along with 10 interceptions), he has 460 rushing yards and 12 scores. The runner-up to Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in last year’s MVP voting has likewise produced in big games, leading comeback wins over Kansas City and the Buffalo Bills. Perhaps, though, the MVP will go to someone other than a quarterback, something that hasn’t happened since 2012 when the Minnesota Vikings’ Adrian Peterson rushed for the second-most yards in history, 2,097, and became only the seventh player to eclipse 2,000 in a season. If so, Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill would be the likely favorite, though FanDuel gives him the seventh-best odds (+2000). He already has 1,542 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns on 97 catches and could become the first receiver to eclipse the 2,000-yard mark. He has topped the 100-yard mark on eight occasions this year, with his season-opening 215 yards and two touchdowns on 11 catches his high-water mark. Bills quarterback Josh Allen (+1500) and Mahomes (+1700) round out the top six betting favorites. Week 15 Ravens at Jaguars Sunday, 8:20 p.m. TV: NBC Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM Line: Ravens by 3 1/2 View the full article

The Ravens are signing quarterback Malik Cunningham off the New England Patriots’ practice squad. ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported the news Tuesday. Cunningham was a teammate of Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson at Louisville for one season in 2017 and will rejoin him in Baltimore with four games remaining in the regular season and the Ravens atop the AFC at 10-3. The Patriots are 3-10 and in last place in the AFC East. “I just feel like this is a good opportunity for me and I’m excited to be a Baltimore Raven,” Cunningham told ESPN. His addition gives the Ravens four quarterbacks, along with Tyler Huntley and veteran Josh Johnson, both of whom are on the active roster. It’s more likely Cunningham could have an impact on Baltimore’s roster next season. Huntley, the Ravens’ backup quarterback, is an unrestricted free agent after this season and bringing him back next year would be a more expensive option. He will also reportedly take the roster spot of returner Devin Duvernay, who suffered a back injury in Sunday’s win over the Los Angeles Rams and will be placed on injured reserve, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Monday only that Duvernay’s injury “might be a little more extended” and could keep him out more than a week. If he goes on injured reserve, he will miss the remainder of the regular season but could be back for the postseason. Cunningham went undrafted out of Louisville this year before signing with the Patriots in May. He was released in August but re-signed with New England’s practice squad, then was signed to the active roster in mid-October. He was released 10 days later, however, then signed again to the practice squad. The 25-year-old appeared in one game for the Patriots this season, playing six snaps in a 21-17 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 15. He was sacked once and did not throw a pass. In that game, he was deployed in a variety of ways, with two snaps at quarterback, two in the slot and two out wide as a receiver. Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien said later that he could see New England using him in different spots within the offense given his versatility. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 15 of 2023 NFL season: Steelers vs. Colts, Bears vs. Browns, Cowboys vs. Bills and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars scouting report for Week 15: Who has the edge? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s Week 15 game in Jacksonville? Baltimore Ravens | Tickets for possible Ravens playoff game go on sale Friday morning Baltimore Ravens | Injured Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton practices Wednesday but status against Jaguars ‘up in the air’ If Duvernay is out for an extended period, Cunningham’s speed could come in handy for Baltimore. The 6-foot-1, 198-pound quarterback ran the 40-yard dash in 4.53 seconds at the NFL scouting combine earlier this year. “Go flourish where your talent is respected,” Patriots offensive tackle Trent Brown said on an Instagram story in reaction to the news. In five years at Louisville, Cunningham passed for 9,660 yards and 70 touchdowns with 29 interceptions and rushed for 3,184 yards, third-most in school history. He was also named Most Valuable Player of the 2019 Music City Bowl after throwing for 279 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 81 yards in a 38-28 win over Mississippi State. Cunningham was on his way to Baltimore Tuesday afternoon. The Ravens’ next game is Sunday night against the AFC South-leading Jaguars (8-5) in Jacksonville. View the full article

M&T Bank Stadium will soon undergo its most substantial makeover since it opened in 1998. Equipped with a large fund of state dollars, the Ravens and the Maryland Stadium Authority unveiled plans Tuesday to renovate the 71,008-seat venue. Some improvements will be finished by August 2024, ahead of the start of next year’s regular season, while others are scheduled to be completed ahead of the 2025 and 2026 campaigns. By the end, three plazas with bars and retail stores will surround the stadium and greet fans on game days, the upper concourses will be expanded by several thousand square feet to decrease foot traffic, and premium seating will be added next to the field and above the lower level, where the press box currently sits. The renovations will cost the state at least $430 million over the three years. That money comes from a 2022 law passed by the General Assembly and then-Gov. Larry Hogan, which permitted the stadium authority to issue $600 million in bonds for improvements to each of Baltimore’s two pro sports stadiums, provided the Orioles and Ravens, which operate as tenants of the state, signed long-term leases. By agreeing in January to a lease until at least 2037, the Ravens unlocked their share of those state funds and have worked with the stadium authority as well as Gensler, an architecture firm, and Gilbane, a construction company, on those plans. “We want to make sure with such a significant investment that we really impacted and enhanced the experience for all of our fans,” Ravens president Sashi Brown told The Baltimore Sun. The bulk of the improvements will be completed ahead of the 2025 season, but by 2024, fans will see some additions, including a two-level beer hall, dubbed The Gatehouse, on the east side of the stadium. Similar to rowhouses in many Baltimore neighborhoods, the bar will feature a roof deck with string lights. “It will look out over Fed Hill toward the Inner Harbor. So that’s going to be awesome,” Brown said. That will be the first of three plazas. Ahead of the 2026 season, the Ravens will add an 8,000- to 10,000-square-foot retail store, open year-round, on the south side, and in 2025, two large structures — the marquee addition of the remodel — will flank the gates on the north side, next to the statues of Ray Lewis and Johnny Unitas. That plaza, billed as the “Grand Entrance to M&T Bank Stadium” by the Ravens, will have a stage, a sports bar, a tailgate area, as well as a team store and some sort of element highlighting the team’s history. A rendering of upcoming renovations coming to M&T Bank Stadium. (Baltimore Ravens/Courtesy) A rendering of upcoming renovations coming to M&T Bank Stadium. (Baltimore Ravens/Courtesy) A rendering of upcoming renovations coming to M&T Bank Stadium. (Baltimore Ravens/Courtesy) A rendering of upcoming renovations coming to M&T Bank Stadium. (Baltimore Ravens/Courtesy) A rendering of upcoming renovations coming to M&T Bank Stadium. (Baltimore Ravens/Courtesy) A rendering of upcoming renovations coming to M&T Bank Stadium. (Baltimore Ravens/Courtesy) Show Caption of Expand “We’re creating a new front door to M&T Bank Stadium,” Ravens senior vice president of marketing Brad Downs said. Traditional tailgating will continue in parking lots, but the plazas will likely entice some fans to spend their pregame hours in bars attached to the stadium. “As you know, the beer is colder and the hot dogs taste better here in our footprint, so we want to make sure we extend that,” said Rich Tamayo, Ravens senior vice president of stadium operations and guest experience. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 15 of 2023 NFL season: Steelers vs. Colts, Bears vs. Browns, Cowboys vs. Bills and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars scouting report for Week 15: Who has the edge? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Jaguars staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s Week 15 game in Jacksonville? Baltimore Ravens | Tickets for possible Ravens playoff game go on sale Friday morning Baltimore Ravens | Injured Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton practices Wednesday but status against Jaguars ‘up in the air’ The plazas will generally not be open year-round but could be rented out for private events or host watch parties for Ravens road games. They will be open on game days for all fans, but some upgrades to the stadium will only be enjoyed by a select few. The press box — located at midfield just above the first level, one of the most coveted views of the field — will be relocated in 2024 to the southeast corner. In its place will be 10 suites and an exclusive adjoining club, which will have a “speakeasy” feel, the Ravens said in a news release, with “concierge service, high-end food and beverage options, mixologists at the bar, featured cocktails, a special selection of bakery items from a pastry chef and more.” “It’s going to be a really exciting space that will allow our big corporations who are now up on the third floor get a little bit closer to the action and have an elevated experience for them and their guests on game day,” Brown said. Field suites and lower-level clubs that will “get you feet from the action,” Brown said, will also be added in 2025. The Ravens surveyed fans’ preferences and, as a result, will also plan to add more bathrooms and conditioned spaces for all attendees to avoid the elements. Adding a roof was never seriously considered — it would be prohibitively expensive and, Brown said, the Ravens enjoy the element of playing outside. The upper concourse will also be expanded in 2025 to improve the flow of foot traffic and, at off-peak times, become a place to socialize. Tens of millions of dollars worth of renovations will be infrastructure-focused, but Brown said that, because the stadium has been well cared for, much of the investment will go toward fan-facing improvements. “It’s a tribute to M&T [Bank Stadium]. It was constructed really well, it’s been maintained really well and it’s stood the test of time. It’s still a beautiful stadium and, with the investments that we’ve made in it, it doesn’t feel like it’s dated and the infrastructure is strong,” he said. At 25 years old, M&T Bank Stadium is one of the older NFL stadiums. The Tennessee Titans’ stadium, which opened a year after Baltimore’s, will soon be replaced by a $2.1 billion venue paid for with public and private dollars. The Ravens announced their upcoming projects Tuesday with a news conference at M&T Bank Stadium, complete with a band and dancers greeting attendees. Brown, alongside Ravens executives, Gensler’s Global Director of Sports Ryan Sickman, and stadium authority Chair Craig Thompson, outlined the plans. “Quite frankly, I’ve not been this excited in a while about looking at pictures,” Thompson said afterward, referencing displayed renderings. “Knowing what they represent in terms of the hard work of [stadium authority vice president of capital projects] Phil Hutson, his team, the MSA, the partnership, is really sort of a long time coming.” The improvements, as scheduled, would still leave nearly $170 million (of the $600 million) in state finances for the Ravens to potentially use later. “These are public dollars. [We] want to make sure we’re careful and thoughtful and efficient with the investment. And we’ve worked well with MSA to get to, I think, a really good place that will be very impactful across the stadium and the fan experience as a whole,” Brown said. The state of Maryland paid for the construction of M&T Bank Stadium in the 1990s and, since then, the Ravens have paid for maintenance and operation costs, but not rent to the state. By playing in a publicly owned stadium, the team enjoys other benefits such as not having to pay property taxes — which would have been at least $176 million since it was built, according to one estimate — but has also invested almost $250 million of its own money in capital improvements, Brown said. Some observers have said the state could better spend its money on other needed projects aside from stadium improvements. At an event Monday evening focused on rehabilitating vacant properties, the Rev. Andrew Connors said, “If we can find close to $1.5 billion in lean times for our football and baseball teams,” before being interrupted by applause. “If we can find hundreds of millions of dollars in public money for the Inner Harbor for a second time,” he continued, “then we all know we can find the money for a first-time investment in our neighborhoods.” Mayor Brandon Scott, who attended Monday evening’s event on rehabilitating vacant properties and Tuesday’s stadium news conference, said that this is a “both-and” situation, meaning government can support neighborhoods as well as the stadiums. “The state of Maryland owns this building [M&T Bank Stadium],” Scott told The Sun on Tuesday. “This is the government investing in its own asset and allowing it to benefit all of the city. We do not have to make these false choices.” Asked about the argument that public money could be spent more wisely elsewhere, Brown noted that the team generates tax revenue for the state, as well as ancillary benefits and publicity. “The direct benefits of us being here, with the tax revenue that we generate, with the investment that we’ve made alongside the state into the stadium, is a really positive story,” Brown said. Economists routinely argue against subsidies for privately owned pro sports teams, saying taxpayer dollars could be better served toward education, transportation or even tax breaks. The stadium authority will issue bonds and borrow money from JPMorgan Chase to finance the upcoming improvements, which will ultimately be paid off over at least a decade with lottery revenue. The stadium authority board has recently discussed and approved some of the renovations and, in May, the Board of Public Works approved the plan to borrow up to $450 million. “We are pleased and very, very excited to be able to advance this item today,” Gov. Wes Moore, who chairs the three-person board, said at the time, “to ensure that M&T Bank Stadium will continue to serve as a vital cultural, a vital economic and a vital entertainment asset for Baltimore, and also for the state of Maryland, for years to come.” The Orioles have not accessed their portion of the funds for Camden Yards because they have not yet signed a long-term lease, after an agreed-to deal came to a halt Friday. Their current lease with the state expires Dec. 31. Baltimore Sun reporter Emily Opilo contributed to this article. View the full article

The Ravens defense might have caught a break. Coach John Harbaugh said Monday that star safety Kyle Hamilton is “day to day” after exiting Sunday’s 37-31 overtime win over the Rams early with a knee injury. ESPN reported that Hamilton suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament and the second-year safety would be week to week, though Harbaugh declined to confirm the nature of his injury. “I’m not really getting into the diagnoses of what it was,” Harbaugh said. “He’s day to day.” While it’s a relief for the Ravens that Hamilton has not been officially ruled out, losing him for any length of time would be difficult to overcome. Without Hamilton on the field for much of Sunday after he suffered an injury on the final play of the first quarter and was ruled out for the rest of the game later in the third quarter, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 294 yards and three touchdowns before Baltimore eventually won in overtime on Tylan Wallace’s 76-yard punt return for a touchdown. Los Angeles receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua also racked up 115 and 84 yards, respectively. It won’t help, either, that the Ravens play the Jacksonville Jaguars, San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins in their next three games. The Dolphins and 49ers rank Nos. 1 and 3, respectively, in passing yards this season, while the Jaguars are ninth. Hamilton, a 2022 first-round draft pick out of Notre Dame and Baltimore’s do-everything safety has performed at an All-Pro and Pro Bowl level in his second season, with 62 tackles, nine passes defensed, three sacks, a forced fumble and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 16. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | NFL playoff picture: Breaking down the crowded AFC race with four weeks to go Baltimore Ravens | Five things we learned from the Ravens’ 37-31 win over the Los Angeles Rams Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Befuddling Ravens find another way to win — and that’s scary for rest of NFL | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | In overcoming mistakes to beat Rams, Ravens take pride in ‘amazing display of December football’ Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s report card: Position-by-position grades for Ravens’ 37-31 OT win over Rams | COMMENTARY But after a 3-yard run by Rams running back Royce Freeman on the final play of the first quarter Sunday, Hamilton, who was not in on the tackle but was limping slightly earlier in the drive, went to the ground. He walked off under his own power with team trainers and went into the team’s blue medical tent before heading to the locker room. Hamilton was initially ruled questionable to return but went back to the sideline to jog and returned to the field for the Rams’ next possession. However, late in the third quarter with the Ravens trailing 22-20, Hamilton was again on the sideline and talking with trainers when it was announced that he was out for the remainder of the game. Ravens wide receiver and Pro Bowl kick returner Devin Duvernay also exited the game with a back injury. Harbaugh said Duvernay will miss some time but did not specify a timeline. “Devin might be a little more extended,” Harbaugh said. “He could be [out] more than a week.” With Duvernay out, Wallace took over and delivered a game-winning return for a touchdown in overtime. Asked if Duvernay is to miss more time if Wallace will be named the team’s punt returner, Harbaugh smiled and said, “I think he’s earned it.” In another move, Harbaugh also confirmed that the team will activate cornerback Damarion “Pepe” Williams to the 53-man roster. The second-year defensive back returned to practice late last month after being on injured reserve with an ankle injury that sidelined him for most offseason activities. The deadline to activate Williams is Tuesday, or else he would have to revert to injured reserve and miss the rest of the season. With Hamilton potentially sidelined, Williams adds depth to the slot corner position, where Hamilton and veteran cornerback Arthur Maulet have often been utilized. View the full article

Just four weeks remain in the NFL regular season, which means it’s time to start thinking about the playoffs. While the Ravens (10-3) have put themselves atop the AFC after Sunday’s thrilling overtime win over the Los Angeles Rams, there’s a crowded field forming behind them. Eleven AFC teams are above .500, including six with 7-6 records, but only the top seven will earn a playoff berth. If the Ravens finish with the conference’s best record, they get the first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason. If they finish behind the Miami Dolphins (9-3) — who host the Tennessee Titans on Monday night and travel to Baltimore on Dec. 31 — and still win the AFC North, there are several talented teams who could travel to M&T Bank Stadium for the wild-card round in January. Here’s a look at AFC playoff picture if the regular season ended today: 1. Ravens (10-3, 1st in AFC North) Remaining schedule: at Jaguars, at 49ers, vs. Dolphins, vs. Steelers Playoff odds, per New York Times: >99% What’s working: Just about everything. Reserve wide receiver Tylan Wallace cemented a wild 37-31 win over the Rams with a 76-yard punt return in overtime, helping the Ravens take a half-game lead over the Dolphins in the race for the AFC’s top seed. Lamar Jackson delivered in the clutch, leading a 13-play, 75-yard drive late in the fourth quarter capped by a 21-yard touchdown pass to rookie Zay Flowers. With Flowers thriving, tight end Isaiah Likely stepping up in Mark Andrews’ absence and Odell Beckham Jr. turning back the clock of late, the Ravens seem better equipped than ever to win in the postseason with Jackson under center. What isn’t: The Ravens’ biggest problem all season has been consistency. They seem to play up or down to their competition, though Sunday’s win was perhaps the most encouraging yet because of the team’s ability to overcome its mistakes in a playoff atmosphere. After stumbles earlier this season in close losses to the Colts, Steelers and Browns, late-game execution remains a potential Achilles’ heel. 2. Miami Dolphins (9-3, 1st in AFC East) Remaining schedule: vs. Titans, vs. Jets, vs. Cowboys, at Ravens, vs. Bills Playoff odds, per New York Times: >99% What’s working: The offense, which is perhaps the league’s best. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill is on pace to become the first player to reach 2,000 receiving yards in a season, and Miami is rivaling the 2011 New Orleans Saints for the most yards per game in a single season with 428.4 entering Monday. Tua Tagovailoa is in complete command of coach Mike McDaniel’s scheme, ranking among the league leaders with 3,457 passing yards and 24 touchdowns in 12 games. What isn’t: Mounting injuries. After losing budding pass rusher Jaelan Phillips for the season, the Dolphins placed linebacker Jerome Baker on injured reserve Sunday. Starting right guard Rob Hunt and safety Jevon Holland are also questionable to play Monday, and left tackle Terron Armstead has battled knee and ankle injuries throughout the season. Depth matters at this point of the season, and Miami’s will be tested. 3. Kansas City Chiefs (8-5, 1st in AFC West) Remaining schedule: at Patriots, vs. Raiders, vs. Bengals, at Chargers Playoff odds, per New York Times: 98% What’s working: Not much right now. The defending Super Bowl champions have lost two straight and three of their past four after a hot start seemingly put them in the driver’s seat for the top seed. Patrick Mahomes has surprisingly been part of the problem, having thrown three interceptions over the past four weeks, including one that halted a promising opening drive in Sunday’s 20-17 loss to the Bills. What isn’t: The refs? Mahomes and coach Andy Reid both criticized the officials for a rarely called offside penalty against the offense that negated a dazzling 49-yard touchdown on a lateral from tight end Travis Kelce to wide receiver Kadarius Toney that would have given Kansas City the lead with just over a minute to play. Frustration seems to be mounting for Mahomes, who was visibly angry after the game. 4. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-5, 1st in AFC South) Remaining schedule: vs. Ravens, at Buccaneers, vs. Panthers, at Titans Playoff odds, per New York Times: 92% What’s working: Trevor Lawrence’s ankle, at least for the moment. After suffering what looked to be a serious injury in last Monday’s loss to the Bengals, the star quarterback started Sunday against the Browns and was understandably up and down. While he threw for 257 yards and three touchdowns, he was also intercepted three times in a 31-27 loss. What isn’t: The defense. A week after being torched by Bengals backup quarterback Jake Browning, Jacksonville allowed 38-year-old Joe Flacco to throw for 311 yards and three touchdowns. The pass rush has been especially disappointing of late, recording just three sacks over the past two games. Former Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco has helped keep the Browns in the playoff race. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) 5. Cleveland Browns (8-5, 2nd in AFC North) Remaining schedule: vs. Bears, at Texans, vs. Jets, at Bengals Playoff odds, per New York Times: 84% What’s working: Flacco. Cleveland is 1-1 with the former Ravens star since he signed to the practice squad three weeks ago, and he’s earned enough of coach Kevin Stefanski’s trust to be declared the starter for the rest of the season over rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson. The Browns defense has been good enough to win with four different starting quarterbacks this season, but Flacco provides the kind of steady hand this team needs to get back to the postseason for the first time since 2020. What isn’t: The offensive line, which entered the season among the league’s best. Injuries have created a revolving door at tackle, forcing unproven players Dawand Jones, Christian Geron and James Hudson III to step in. Center Ethan Pocic left Sunday’s game with a stinger, leaving guards Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller as the only healthy starters. 6. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6, 3rd in AFC North) Remaining schedule: at Colts, vs. Bengals, at Seahawks, at Ravens Playoff odds, per New York Times: 25% What’s working: After back-to-back losses to the last-place Patriots and Cardinals, bright spots are hard to find. The defense has been good, if not great, for most of the season, but allowing three touchdown passes to backup quarterback Bailey Zappe in Thursday night’s 21-18 loss to the Patriots is inexcusable. At least defensive signal-caller Elandon Roberts is back from a groin injury and playing well to lead a banged-up group of linebackers. What isn’t: The firing of offensive coordinator Matt Canada hasn’t been the easy fix many fans were hoping for, as the Steelers are averaging just 14.7 points in the three games since Mike Sullivan took over play-calling duties. An ankle injury to starting quarterback Kenny Pickett certainly hasn’t helped. Backup Mitch Trubisky has posted a QBR of 35.3 this season, a mark that would rank above only Bryce Young and Zach Wilson among qualified quarterbacks. 7. Indianapolis Colts (7-6, 2nd in AFC South) Remaining schedule: vs. Steelers, at Falcons, vs. Raiders, vs. Texans Playoff odds, per New York Times: 41% What’s working: A lot, at least before Sunday. The Colts had won four in a row (albeit against weak competition) to jump back into the playoff race before suffering a 34-14 loss to the Bengals. Shane Steichen is building a compelling case to be Coach of the Year in his first season with the way he’s squeezed the most out of an offense led by inconsistent quarterback Gardner Minshew II and missing star running back Jonathan Taylor. What isn’t: While the defense entered Sunday with the second-most sacks in the league, it has allowed nearly 30 points per game over the past three weeks. 8. Houston Texans (7-6, 3rd in AFC South) Remaining schedule: at Titans, vs. Browns, vs. Titans, at Colts Playoff odds, per New York Times: 45% What’s working: Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud was averaging 295 passing yards per game before throwing for just 91 yards in Sunday’s ugly 30-6 loss to the Jets. The No. 2 overall pick has been sensational, but the hits are starting to pile up. He’s been sacked 35 times this season and is in the league’s concussion protocol after exiting in the fourth quarter Sunday. What isn’t: Mounting injuries on offense. In addition to Stroud, breakout wide receiver Nico Collins left Sunday’s game with a calf injury in the first quarter just two weeks after standout rookie receiver Tank Dell was lost for the season with a fractured fibula. Tight end Dalton Schultz was also ruled out Sunday with a hamstring injury, and offensive tackle Tytus Howard suffered a season-ending knee injury two weeks ago. If Stroud misses any time, it’s unlikely backup Davis Mills can lead Houston to the postseason. 9. Denver Broncos (7-6, 2nd in AFC West) Remaining schedule: at Lions, vs. Patriots, vs. Chargers, at Raiders Playoff odds, per New York Times: 50% What’s working: Lately, it’s been the defense, which is surprising to say after it allowed 70 points in a game earlier this season. But takeaways have helped turn things around. Since Week 6, according to ESPN, the Broncos have forced 18 turnovers and allowed 12 touchdowns. They’ve won six of their past seven games and have the second-best odds to make the postseason of the non-division leaders, according to NYT. What isn’t: Russell Wilson bounced back Sunday after throwing three interceptions in a loss to the Texans, but he is not living up to the massive contract he received from Denver before the start of last season. He’s still capable of occasional moments of brilliance, though much of the credit should go to wide receiver Courtland Sutton, who made a brilliant one-handed grab for his 10th touchdown catch of the season in Sunday’s 24-7 win over the Chargers. Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew II, left, meets with Bengals quarterback Jake Browning after Cincinnati’s 34-14 win Sunday. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean) 10. Cincinnati Bengals (7-6, 4th in AFC North) Remaining schedule: vs. Vikings, at Steelers, at Chiefs, vs. Browns Playoff odds, per New York Times: 26% What’s working: While the Bengals seemed hopeless after Joe Burrow’s season-ending wrist injury, backup Jake Browning has delivered two strong starts in a row to keep the team afloat. A lot of his 275 passing yards Sunday came on screens to running backs Joe Mixon and Chase Brown, but the 27-year-old former college star might just be good enough to help the Bengals earn a surprise playoff berth. What isn’t: The emergence of the rookie Brown has been huge for the offense, which has struggled to run the ball for most of the season. The Bengals are averaging just 84.7 rushing yards per game, second-worst in the league, but Brown has averaged 4.8 yards per carry in a limited role and turned a screen pass into a 54-yard touchdown Sunday. He’s likely to receive a larger workload down the stretch. 11. Buffalo Bills (7-6, 2nd in AFC East) Remaining schedule: vs. Cowboys, at Chargers, vs. Patriots, at Dolphins Playoff odds, per New York Times: 39% What’s working: Believe it or not, Josh Allen has been playing at an MVP-level for most of the season. The Bills’ record doesn’t reflect that, and Allen’s 14 interceptions are certainly unsightly, but he’s thrown 25 touchdown passes and rushed for a career-high 10 scores. Buffalo entered Sunday ranked third in offensive efficiency, per FTN’s defense-adjusted value over average (DVOA), and Allen is the reason why. What isn’t: Injuries continue to take their toll on the Bills’ defense, which is already without linebacker Matt Milano and cornerback Tre’Davious White for the rest of the season. Pass rusher A.J. Epenesa exited in the first quarter Sunday shortly after batting a pass into the air and intercepting it, and safety Micah Hyde went down with a stinger late in the first half. There are also questions about Von Miller, who turned himself into police during the team’s bye week and is facing a charge of third-degree felony assault of a pregnant woman. It has often felt like a cursed season for the Bills, but perhaps Sunday’s huge win over the defending champs will be the spark they need. View the full article

The Ravens spit in the eye of the probable, defeating the Los Angeles Rams on a twisting, stumbling overtime touchdown by their backup punt returner, Tylan Wallace. Here are five things we learned from the 37-31 win. This is why we watch The delighted whoops and squeals in the tunnel leading to the Ravens’ locker room evoked a children’s recess game run amok — which was essentially what we witnessed Sunday through the downpour deluging M&T Bank Stadium. For 60 minutes of regulation and another two in overtime, the Ravens never found steady ground. The Rams — Matthew Stafford never stopped throwing into the teeth of pressure, receivers Cooper Kupp and Puca Nakua never stopped tying coverage into knots — deserved credit. But the Ravens’ own flubs — an offside penalty to extend a Rams touchdown drive, a mistimed snap that led to a safety, an impermissible challenge of a clear touchdown, a tortured final series of regulation for Pro Bowl cornerback Marlon Humphrey — told a story that could have ended in maddening self-recrimination. But then Tylan Wallace, who fought his way off the roster bubble in the summer and was only in the game because Devin Duvernay hurt his back, caught Ethan Evans’ punt. “Did I think he’d take it to the house? No,” coach John Harbaugh said afterward. “But I thought he’d catch it, maybe make a guy miss.” Wallace, with 76 yards separating him from wildly improbable glory, spun away from one tackler and sprinted down the sideline. His path was a little freer because of a block from Charlie Kolar that Kolar acknowledged was close to being in the back. No flag. As Wallace accelerated, another would-be tackler clipped his foot, and he stumbled precariously close to the white chalk to his left. “I can’t go down right here,” he thought to himself. “I made it this far.” So he kept right on running and when he glimpsed the big purple letters in the oncoming end zone, he somersaulted — an act of gleeful abandon to secure the six points that meant victory. Over the next few moments, all the tensions of the afternoon, all thoughts of what a win or loss might mean to the Ravens’ greater ambitions, melted away. Men who have played and coached hundreds of football games had just watched a play that defied all their well-honed expectations. It felt glorious. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | NFL playoff picture: Breaking down the crowded AFC race with four weeks to go Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Befuddling Ravens find another way to win — and that’s scary for rest of NFL | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | In overcoming mistakes to beat Rams, Ravens take pride in ‘amazing display of December football’ Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s report card: Position-by-position grades for Ravens’ 37-31 OT win over Rams | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Joe Flacco throws 3 TD passes, Browns pick Trevor Lawrence 3 times in 31-27 win over Jaguars “It was like a movie,” said quarterback Lamar Jackson, who’d bailed the Ravens out with an ice-cold drive in the last two minutes of regulation. “You’re talking about amazing events, right?” Harbaugh said. “That’s the beauty of football.” Wallace was the guy who lined up offside in punt coverage earlier in the afternoon. The ensuing Rams touchdown could have spelled defeat for his team, and he knew it, agonized over it. Instead of letting that be his story, he made a play he’ll talk about for the rest of his life. Most NFL afternoons are made up of blander stuff, but you never know when the backup punt returner is going to spin and tightrope his way to a flicker of immortality. How can we turn away? We saw the whole spectrum from Lamar Jackson Until Wallace’s showstopper, the plays of the day belonged to a more familiar hero. That would be Jackson, who sensed the oncoming fury of mighty Aaron Donald but stood in to hit Zay Flowers for a go-ahead touchdown in the last two minutes of regulation. He added a precious two points when he danced right in the pocket and found Flowers, his second read after tight end Isaiah Likely, in a free patch of the end zone. Two clutch throws to end a clutch drive in which Jackson completed seven passes to move the Ravens 75 yards. That finishing flurry atop a robust statistical line — 316 yards, three touchdown passes, 70 yards on 11 carries — screamed Most Valuable Player. “You forget Lamar sometimes,” Harbaugh said. “All these other things are happening, and we’re not going to talk about Lamar Jackson, who drove the offense.” It’s a testament to Jackson’s skill and will that he ultimately wrung such majesty out of an uneven performance. His two longest strikes were more results of blown coverage than his precision. His deep ball was iffy in the rain. Odell Beckham Jr. had to spin around to track a 46-yard touchdown grab in the second quarter. Rams cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon picked off an underthrown fling to a streaking Rashod Bateman. Then there was that miscommunication with center Tyler Linderbaum on a shotgun snap deep in Ravens territory. Jackson booted the loose ball out the back of the end zone to prevent a possible Rams touchdown. It feels odd to say an offense that gained 449 yards, averaging 6.3 yards per play, was scattershot, but the Ravens will find much to correct when they review the game. That they scored 37 points while falling well short of their best form is a testament to their upside. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson tries to throw as he is being sacked in the 4th quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, center, celebrates, after tackling Rams running back Kyren Williams for a loss in the third quarter Sunday. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) DEC. 10, 2023: RavensÕ Arthur Maulet, right, misses a tackle against RamsÕ Cooper Kupp, left, who gained 32 yards in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker points skyward after kicking a 47-yard field goal in the 3rd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs through defenders, retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs through defenders, returning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Under pressure, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson throws incomplete to Zay Flowers in the 2nd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Odafe Oweh wraps up Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams in the 3rd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens Keaton Mitchell, right, runs for 27-yards against RamsÕ Cobie Durant, left, in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Travis Jones sacks Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in the 3rd quarter for a loss of 4 yards. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson runs out of bounds after keeping the ball for a gain in the 2nd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Charlie Kolar chases Los Angeles Rams Ahkello Witherspoon after he intercepted a Lamar Jackson pass in the 2nd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: RavensÕ Kyle Hamilton, right, tackles RamsÕ Puka Nacua, left, for a short gain in the first quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, from left, celebrates touchdown pass to wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. with Isaiah Likely in the second quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. scores a 46-yards touchdown against the Rams in the second quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, left, celebrates after scoring two-point conversion against the Rams in the fourth quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, right, catches a 21-yards touchdown pass against Rams' Jordan Fuller, left, in the fourth quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers scores a 4th quarter touchdown on a pass from Lamar Jackson. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers is congratulated by Rashod Bateman after Flowers scored a 4th quarter touchdown. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely looks for yardage after a reception in the 3rd Quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeatedthe Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Keaton Mitchell pushes through the line for a gain in the 3rd Quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeatedthe Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson kicks the ball out of the end zone after a bad snap in the 3rd Quarter. The illegal kick was penalized as a safety. The Baltimore Ravens defeatedthe Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, left, walks to the sideline in frustration after a bad snap to Lamar Jackson, right, costed the Ravens a safety in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, right, celebrates with teammate Lamar Jackson, left, after the Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh signals to go for a two-point conversion following a Zay Flowers touchdown in the 4th quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace celebrates with teammates after retuning a punt for the game winning touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, center, is congratulated by RamsÕ Jason Taylor II as Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, right, celebrates after the Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, left, is congratulated by teammate Odafe Oweh after scoring the game-winning touchdown against the Rams in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens players celebrate game-winning punt returned for touchdown against the Rams in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs for a 76-yards game-winning touchdown against the Rams in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Justice Hill, center, makes a key block on Los Angeles Rams punter Ethan Evans, left, allowing RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, right, to score the game-winning touchdown in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, center, runs 76-yards for a punt return game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Rams in the quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace scores his first career touchdown, retuning a punt 76-yards as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs toward the end zone, retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace flips into the end zone after retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace flips into the end zone after retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh talks with officials during an injury timeout as the Baltimore Ravens host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium.(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, celebrates with tight end Isaiah Likely after connecting for a 54-yard touchdown in the first quarter Sunday. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh talks with officials during an injury timeout as the Baltimore Ravens host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium.(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. celebrates his 46-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter Sunday against the Rams. (Jerry Jackson/Staff) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely, center, dives onto the end zone against Los Angeles Rams Jordan Fuller for a touchdown in the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Show Caption of Expand The Ravens’ defense also delivered in the clutch Stafford handed off on the Rams’ first nine plays, essentially daring the middle of the Ravens’ defense to hold. The Rams ate up ground at 5.8 yards per clip, only to go airborne, and fail, once they reached the red zone. Curious strategic twist aside, this opening barrage highlighted a relative weakness in the league’s top scoring defense. Opponents have succeeded running right at the Ravens, especially early in games. The Rams’ outstanding pass catchers, Nacua and Kupp, gouged the Ravens for chunk plays in a way few opponents have this season, combining for 199 yards on 18 targets. Again and again, they slipped into uncovered gaps in zone coverage. Humphrey could not check Kupp on the last drive of regulation and could not come down with an interception in the corner of the end zone that would have ended the game. “Just hats off to those guys,” linebacker Roqaun Smith said. “And with Stafford over there, he can squeeze the ball in really tight spots.” The Ravens gave up a season-high 410 yards. But they did adjust, forcing the Rams to punt on their first four drives of the second half. Coordinator Mike Macdonald urged his front seven to shed blocks more quickly. “He was telling us to make an emphasis on just shedding blocks and making tackles quick [on] the line of scrimmage, so that’s what we tried to do,” defensive tackle Justin Madubuike said. They made eight tackles for loss, a sign of the havoc they ultimately created with this aggressive approach at the line of scrimmage. They held their ground again in overtime, sending the Rams off the field, three-and-out, when a field goal would have won it. “I would just say, ‘Told you so.’ We know exactly who we are,” Smith said. “Whether it’s going to be a four-quarter game [or] five-quarter game, we’re going to be here at the end of the day, and that’s our mindset. We just have to keep going and get better from the mistakes that we [made] throughout the game, because we know certain plays throughout the game weren’t us.” Kyle Hamilton was the last defender the Ravens needed to see limping off the field Hamilton hurt his knee in the first half, returned to make seven tackles, then left again after he took an awkward step in the third quarter. Hamilton spent the fourth quarter and overtime watching from the sideline with a light wrap on his knee. Harbaugh said he was still being evaluated after the game. Losing the second-year safety is like losing three players because opponents have no idea how he’s going to ruin them on a given snap. Perhaps he’ll stalk the line of scrimmage, waiting to blow up a screen or shoot in for a tackle behind the line. Perhaps he’ll fire off the edge like an outside linebacker hunting the quarterback. Or perhaps he’ll use his praying mantis length and mobility to blot out a slot receiver. While Smith is the voice of Macdonald’s defense, Hamilton captures its chameleonic spirit better than anyone. More and more analysts are listing him as a first-team All-Pro candidate. The Ravens don’t have anyone to stand in for him because there is no one like him, and that goes for the entire league. This team has already lost one of its five most indispensable players in tight end Mark Andrews. Hamilton is another. It’s unsettling stuff with the playoffs a month away. The road ahead remains perilous, but the Ravens keep protecting their position At 10-3, they have essentially saved themselves from the anxiety that roiled their recent Decembers. The Ravens haven’t clinched a playoff spot, but they’re headed for the postseason, most likely as AFC North champions given the two-game lead they hold over the Cleveland Browns. This win over the Rams, messy though it was, kept them clear of the pack and ensured their next three games against a gantlet of contenders — the Jacksonville Jaguars, San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins — will be spirited tests more than gut-churning, do-or-die stress tests. The Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs lost Sunday, aiding the Ravens’ quest for a No. 1 seed and first-round bye. Aaron Schatz’s DVOA odds already pegged them the leading contender, and it seems increasingly likely their New Year’s Eve showdown with the Dolphins will be the decisive chapter in that positioning war. None of the Ravens’ first nine wins, most of them far more decisive, felt like this one. Wallace’s return was a bolt from the sky, saving them from dodgy circumstances of their own creation, and they celebrated it like the miracle it was. Even Harbaugh tried to leap on the celebratory dogpile, cutting loose for reasons he could not quite explain. He already felt his team had cohered, had developed a sense of collective purpose that could carry the Ravens a long way in January. This newest drama did not create that spirit as much as reflect it, Harbaugh said. Will the glow from this wet, wild day offer reassurance when dire circumstances arise in the weeks ahead? That’s perhaps too tidy a narrative. But the Ravens keep marking themselves as a potentially thrilling team, and that’s something. Week 15 Ravens at Jaguars Sunday, 8:20 p.m. TV: NBC Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM View the full article

The Ravens are befuddling but scary, which is why they are one of the favorites heading toward the postseason. They might not be the best team in the NFL, but they are one of the most balanced, right up there with the San Francisco 49ers. On Sunday, the Ravens beat the Los Angeles Rams, 37-31, as reserve receiver Tylan Wallace returned a punt 76 yards for a touchdown in overtime to give Baltimore its third straight victory and seventh in its past eight games. There has always been this general belief that the good teams peak in December and that momentum carries over into the playoffs. The Ravens aren’t peaking, but they’ve got guys like Wallace making plays, it makes them hard to beat, especially in a watered-down and mediocre NFL. “That’s how these games are won, and that’s what our guys did,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “That’s the amazing event that I’m talking about this December in this game in this stadium today – December football. I just couldn’t be more proud of those guys, because it was mountains and valleys. … Our guys just weathered all those storms – figuratively and literally – out there and found a way to make those plays to win the game at the end. As a coach, there’s nothing better than that.” After Wallace’s thrilling, game-winning touchdown that was set up perfectly with four great blocks, the Ravens locker room was upbeat and exploding with raw emotion. This game had all the elements of a postseason win, and Baltimore fought back and won despite numerous lead changes. The Ravens won because they have so many playmakers. In years past, they had quarterback Lamar Jackson and they went as he did. But it’s not that way anymore. Jackson completed 24 of 43 passes for 316 yards and three touchdowns Sunday, but it wasn’t close to one of his best performances. If he had hit on three or four other long throws, this game might have been a blowout. But in crunch time, with the Ravens trailing 28-23 with 4:41 left in regulation, Jackson was spectacular in leading the Ravens on a 13-play, 75-yard scoring drive that was capped by a 21-yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver Zay Flowers, who also caught the 2-point conversion. That’s the difference compared with previous years. Jackson doesn’t have to carry the offense. The Ravens have Flowers, who had six catches for 60 yards. They’ve got the ancient one, receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who turned back the clock and had four catches for 97 yards, including a 46-yard touchdown in the second quarter. They’ve got an explosive running back in rookie Keaton Mitchell, who they need to use more after gaining 54 yards on nine carries Sunday, and the most clutch kicker in the NFL in Justin Tucker, who converted on field goals of 31, 47 and 33 yards against the Rams. DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, left, is congratulated by teammate Odafe Oweh after scoring the game-winning touchdown against the Rams in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens players celebrate game-winning punt returned for touchdown against the Rams in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs for a 76-yards game-winning touchdown against the Rams in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Justice Hill, center, makes a key block on Los Angeles Rams punter Ethan Evans, left, allowing RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, right, to score the game-winning touchdown in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, center, runs 76-yards for a punt return game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Rams in the quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace scores his first career touchdown, retuning a punt 76-yards as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs toward the end zone, retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace flips into the end zone after retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace flips into the end zone after retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh talks with officials during an injury timeout as the Baltimore Ravens host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium.(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, celebrates with tight end Isaiah Likely after connecting for a 54-yard touchdown in the first quarter Sunday. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh talks with officials during an injury timeout as the Baltimore Ravens host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium.(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. celebrates his 46-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter Sunday against the Rams. (Jerry Jackson/Staff) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely, center, dives onto the end zone against Los Angeles Rams Jordan Fuller for a touchdown in the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is greeted by fans as the Baltimore Ravens prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson tries to throw as he is being sacked in the 4th quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, center, celebrates, after stopping RamsÕ Kyren Williams for loss of eight yards in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: RavensÕ Arthur Maulet, right, misses a tackle against RamsÕ Cooper Kupp, left, who gained 32 yards in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker points skyward after kicking a 47-yard field goal in the 3rd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs through defenders, retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs through defenders, returning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Under pressure, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson throws incomplete to Zay Flowers in the 2nd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Odafe Oweh wraps up Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams in the 3rd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: RavensÕ Keaton Mitchell, right, runs for 27-yards against RamsÕ Cobie Durant, left, in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Travis Jones sacks Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in the 3rd quarter for a loss of 4 yards. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson runs out of bounds after keeping the ball for a gain in the 2nd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: RavensÕ Patrick Queen, left, and Roquan Smith stand ready against the Rams in the first quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Charlie Kolar chases Los Angeles Rams Ahkello Witherspoon after he intercepted a Lamar Jackson pass in the 2nd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: RavensÕ Kyle Hamilton, right, tackles RamsÕ Puka Nacua, left, for a short gain in the first quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, from left, celebrates touchdown pass to wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. with Isaiah Likely in the second quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. scores a 46-yards touchdown against the Rams in the second quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, left, celebrates after scoring two-point conversion against the Rams in the fourth quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, right, catches a 21-yards touchdown pass against Rams' Jordan Fuller, left, in the fourth quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers scores a 4th quarter touchdown on a pass from Lamar Jackson. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers is congratulated by Rashod Bateman after Flowers scored a 4th quarter touchdown. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely looks for yardage after a reception in the 3rd Quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeatedthe Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Keaton Mitchell pushes through the line for a gain in the 3rd Quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeatedthe Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson kicks the ball out of the end zone after a bad snap in the 3rd Quarter. The illegal kick was penalized as a safety. The Baltimore Ravens defeatedthe Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, left, walks to the sideline in frustration after a bad snap to Lamar Jackson, right, costed the Ravens a safety in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Tylan Wallace, right, celebrates with quarterback Lamar Jackson after his 76-yard punt return for a touchdown in overtime gave the Ravens a 37-31 win over the Rams on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh signals to go for a two-point conversion following a Zay Flowers touchdown in the 4th quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace celebrates with teammates after retuning a punt for the game winning touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, center, is congratulated by RamsÕ Jason Taylor II as Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, right, celebrates after the Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Show Caption of Expand And here’s another major difference from the previous seasons. The Ravens have a defense. Yes, they gave up 410 yards to the Rams, but this group has been the guiding force. Now, they just have to put it all together. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | In overcoming mistakes to beat Rams, Ravens take pride in ‘amazing display of December football’ Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s report card: Position-by-position grades for Ravens’ 37-31 OT win over Rams | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Joe Flacco throws 3 TD passes, Browns pick Trevor Lawrence 3 times in 31-27 win over Jaguars Baltimore Ravens | Ravens stun Rams, 37-31, on Tylan Wallace’s walk-off punt return TD in overtime: ‘Once-in-a-lifetime moment’ Baltimore Ravens | Instant analysis from Ravens’ 37-31 overtime win over Los Angeles Rams “I wish I would have had those other few [deep balls],” Jackson said. “I feel like I was too excited because I just saw [my receivers] flying, but I should have just kept my poise and delivered them like I did earlier on in the game and the game probably would have been over faster than [going to] overtime. “[That was] electric. That was crazy [and] that was a wild game. Shoutout to ‘Ty’ [Tylan Wallace]. The emotions right now are electric right now. It’s not a championship, but it was like [a] playoff atmosphere. It was a team game, [a] team win.” That’s what is so intriguing about this team. It’s a bizarre bunch because they play down or up to the level of their opponent. There is nothing special about the Rams. They came to Baltimore with a 6-6 record. They were ranked No. 13 in total offense and No. 16 in total defense. They had won three straight with wins against Seattle, Arizona and Cleveland, but had lost three in a row before that to Pittsburgh, Dallas and Green Bay. The Ravens, though, found a way to survive. They usually do, which is why they are 10-3 and competing for home-field advantage throughout the postseason. On Sunday, aside from allowing all those yards, they were penalized seven times for 79 yards and even had an errant snap go past an unprepared Jackson for a safety, which put them behind, 22-20, midway through the third quarter. Some teams lose games like this, especially when their quarterback is struggling. The Ravens, though, can beat you in a lot of ways because they have the talent and a strong blue-collar work ethic. Besides the standouts, they can sign and rely on journeymen free agents and get production out of outside linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Jadeveon Clowney. They can get unheard-of free agents such as safeties Geno Stone and cornerback Arthur Maulet and plug them into a system and be successful. They find a player like Wallace, who committed a boneheaded offside penalty on a punt that eventually led to a Rams touchdown in the second quarter, but he ends up scoring the game-winning touchdown while playing a position he rarely if ever even practices in. “Going into it, obviously, with ‘Duv’ [Devin Duvernay] going down [and] me having to step up into that role, I obviously — like you were saying — I hadn’t had too many in-game punt returns,” Wallace said. “So, the main thing for me, especially with the weather, I was just like, ‘I need to catch it first before anything.’ “But, on that play, we had the return set up, and I was like, ‘This is a perfect opportunity to put the game away.’ Shoutout to the guys blocking for me.” You wonder now if the Ravens are lucky or if this is a team that is destined for greatness. Winning games like Sunday can make you wonder. The Ravens have the players and the proper attitude, but they still haven’t hit a stride of consistency. Yet, they still win, and that says something. This one against the Rams was special. “It’s a chapter written in the story, and we’ll see,” Harbaugh said. “That’s the thing. It’s like, ‘Will we be looking back on this moment saying it was a galvanizing moment?’ The team has been galvanized, so maybe the galvanization is reflected in a moment like this for everybody to see.” View the full article

One of the biggest plays of a wet and wild game Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium was actually a mistake. In the second quarter, Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was split wide left, ran a dozen yards downfield and faked to the inside against Los Angeles Rams safety Jordan Fuller. The defensive back bit hard on the slant — a route the former All-Pro receiver has terrorized defenses on of late — and that cleared the way for the suddenly rejuvenated 31-year-old star to break back outside and continue down the field, leaving him wide-open for quarterback Lamar Jackson. There was only one big problem: Beckham wasn’t supposed to be there. “The good news is I scored; the bad news is I ran the wrong route,” he said of the 46-yard touchdown pass. “The double move was to the other side … It happened to work out.” So did things for the Ravens. If there was symbolism to be drawn from Sunday’s 37-31 overtime victory, it perhaps came in the rain that fell throughout the game, with the heavy drops washing away one miscue after another. In Baltimore’s three losses this season, self-inflicted wounds were largely responsible for their demise, and this one had the makings of another inexplicable outcome. Perhaps it was in Beckham’s incorrect route that turned into a touchdown anyway. After Jackson stepped up in the pocket and let the ball fly, Beckham had to adjust his body to haul in the somewhat off-target throw as he fell across the goal line. Or maybe it was in Tylan Wallace’s 76-yard punt return to the west end zone in overtime for the walk-off victory. A game that featured its share of questionable calls on Ravens players did not deliver a flag on the block by tight end Charlie Kolar on his former Iowa State roommate, linebacker Jacob Hummel, that helped spring the play. 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Baltimore (10-3) was fresh off a bye, yet often looked discombobulated with head-scratching errors that would be maddening for mid-October, never mind mid-December when there are just four games remaining in the regular season. Former fullback and current Fox Sports analyst Daryl Johnston said at one point that it was “one of the most disjointed games I’ve seen from [the Ravens] all season.” The Ravens got away with those missteps against the Rams (6-7), but the postseason is a different beast. And if they want to get the AFC’s top seed to secure home-field advantage through the playoffs, you have to wonder how many of their nine lives they’ve used with massive games against the Jacksonville Jaguars, San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins awaiting the next three weeks. Take your pick, there were plenty of moments to pick apart. There was Wallace lining up offside on a punt in the second quarter that gave the Rams a first down and ultimately led to a touchdown. There was Jackson underthrowing an open Rashod Bateman and getting intercepted later in the same quarter, leading to a Rams field goal. There was the unexpected snap that sailed past Jackson and into the end zone for a safety midway through the third quarter. There were seven penalties for 79 yards, though some of those were questionable. And yet there were other times when the Ravens looked like a team ready to finally reach a Super Bowl, or at least an AFC championship game, after having failed to advance past the divisional round since the 2012 season. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson tries to throw as he is being sacked in the 4th quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, center, celebrates, after stopping RamsÕ Kyren Williams for loss of eight yards in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: RavensÕ Arthur Maulet, right, misses a tackle against RamsÕ Cooper Kupp, left, who gained 32 yards in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker points skyward after kicking a 47-yard field goal in the 3rd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs through defenders, retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs through defenders, returning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Under pressure, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson throws incomplete to Zay Flowers in the 2nd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Odafe Oweh wraps up Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams in the 3rd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: RavensÕ Keaton Mitchell, right, runs for 27-yards against RamsÕ Cobie Durant, left, in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Travis Jones sacks Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in the 3rd quarter for a loss of 4 yards. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson runs out of bounds after keeping the ball for a gain in the 2nd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Charlie Kolar chases Los Angeles Rams Ahkello Witherspoon after he intercepted a Lamar Jackson pass in the 2nd quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: RavensÕ Kyle Hamilton, right, tackles RamsÕ Puka Nacua, left, for a short gain in the first quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, from left, celebrates touchdown pass to wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. with Isaiah Likely in the second quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. scores a 46-yards touchdown against the Rams in the second quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, left, celebrates after scoring two-point conversion against the Rams in the fourth quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, right, catches a 21-yards touchdown pass against Rams' Jordan Fuller, left, in the fourth quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers scores a 4th quarter touchdown on a pass from Lamar Jackson. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers is congratulated by Rashod Bateman after Flowers scored a 4th quarter touchdown. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely looks for yardage after a reception in the 3rd Quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeatedthe Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Keaton Mitchell pushes through the line for a gain in the 3rd Quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeatedthe Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson kicks the ball out of the end zone after a bad snap in the 3rd Quarter. The illegal kick was penalized as a safety. The Baltimore Ravens defeatedthe Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, left, walks to the sideline in frustration after a bad snap to Lamar Jackson, right, costed the Ravens a safety in the third quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Ravens wide receiver Tylan Wallace, right, celebrates with quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, after Wallace returned a punt for the game-winning touchdown Sunday against the Rams. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh signals to go for a two-point conversion following a Zay Flowers touchdown in the 4th quarter. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace celebrates with teammates after retuning a punt for the game winning touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, center, is congratulated by RamsÕ Jason Taylor II as Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, right, celebrates after the Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, left, is congratulated by teammate Odafe Oweh after scoring the game-winning touchdown against the Rams in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Ravens players celebrate game-winning punt returned for touchdown against the Rams in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs for a 76-yards game-winning touchdown against the Rams in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Justice Hill, center, makes a key block on Los Angeles Rams punter Ethan Evans, left, allowing RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, right, to score the game-winning touchdown in overtime. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore RavensÕ Tylan Wallace, center, runs 76-yards for a punt return game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Rams in the quarter. The Ravens defeated the Rams 37-31 at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace scores his first career touchdown, retuning a punt 76-yards as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace runs toward the end zone, retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace flips into the end zone after retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens Tylan Wallace flips into the end zone after retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh talks with officials during an injury timeout as the Baltimore Ravens host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium.(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, celebrates with tight end Isaiah Likely after connecting for a 54-yard touchdown in the first quarter Sunday. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh talks with officials during an injury timeout as the Baltimore Ravens host the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium.(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo) Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. celebrates his 46-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter Sunday against the Rams. (Jerry Jackson/Staff) DEC. 10, 2023: Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely, center, dives onto the end zone against Los Angeles Rams Jordan Fuller for a touchdown in the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff photo) Show Caption of Expand Most notable among them was when Jackson engineered a 13-play, 75-yard go-ahead touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter that ended with a 21-yard pass to rookie Zay Flowers. Rams star defensive lineman Aaron Donald was bearing down on the quarterback, but he still delivered a dart. It helped, too, that receiver Nelson Agholor told Jackson he was going to run the safety out of the window to clear the way for what would be a “wide-open” Flowers, which is exactly what happened. “[We’re] just proving we can make it happen,” Jackson said when asked about the drive. “When we really need it, we’re down [and] trying to win the game, we don’t want to put them back out there on the field, but we just have to score. We have to score, and we delivered. Our whole offensive line did great. [Our] running backs, receivers, [and] tight ends did awesome. It’s a whole team effort.” That much was evident on the game-winner by Wallace, a player who was just trying to make the team during training camp and was only returning punts because Devin Duvernay was injured earlier in the game. It was apparent on defense, too, with the Ravens clamping down in the second half. After giving up 20 points and 216 yards in the first 30 minutes, the defense allowed just one touchdown in the final two quarters and overtime and held the Rams to 1-for-7 on third down. In Jackson’s view, as has been the case in recent weeks, it was a playoff atmosphere. “Every team wants to beat us,” he said. “They’re going to give us their best shot, so that’s why I say it’s a playoff game, because every time we go out there, that’s what it’s going to be. Sometimes there are going to be up and downs, sometimes we might play a smooth-sailing game. But I believe every game is a playoff game because we’re in the NFL.” Harbaugh’s view isn’t much different. “December football has a meaning to it,” he said. “It’s preparation for great events to come. “I think our guys showed an amazing display of December football. It was pretty darn exciting, wasn’t it?” He’s not wrong. View the full article