Ravens vs. Chargers: Play of the Week

In what was a must-win game, the Ravens secured their biggest victory of the season on Saturday night. Facing perhaps the most well-rounded team in the league on the road, Baltimore dominated the Chargers from start to finish in nearly every facet of the game.

The Ravens top-ranked defense proved up to the challenge against the high-octane Los Angeles offense. Baltimore forced three turnovers and limited the Chargers to just 10 points, while Philip Rivers played arguably his worst game of the season.

Like most of Baltimore’s recent games, the Ravens defense was far more dominant than the offense. However, both sides of the ball made big plays to help contribute to the win. Check out all the top plays and vote for your favorite down below.

Brandon Carr Interception: The Chargers received the ball first and wasted no time attempting to attack the Ravens defense. On their first play from scrimmage, Philip Rivers aired a deep pass along the sideline for Mike Williams and Brandon Carr made a tremendous play on the ball to wrestle it away from the receiver. While Baltimore couldn’t punch it into the endzone upon receiving possession, they still put points on the board courtesy of a Justin Tucker field goal.

Mark Andrews 15-yard reception: In the first of their two big connections on Saturday night, Lamar Jackson and Mark Andrews hooked up for a big third down conversion early in the third quarter. Driving into Los Angeles territory and needing nine yards to move the chains, Jackson stepped up in the pocket and delivered a strike to a wide-open Andrews. Jackson’s footwork to avoid Joey Bosa and the throw itself were similarity impressive. Unfortunately, the Ravens would ultimately be stopped on 4th & Goal a few plays later.

Mark Andrews 68-yard touchdown reception: Jackson and Andrews weren’t done making plays. Following the Chargers lone touchdown early in the third quarter, which gave them a 10-6 advantage, the Ravens were in jeopardy of losing any momentum they may have had. However, “Action Jackson” was having none of it. On just the second play of the drive, Jackson delivered perhaps his most impressive throw of the season. The rookie signal caller hit Andrews in stride on a deep post route. Andrews broke a tackle and turned on the jets to race 68 yards for a touchdown.

Justin Tucker 56-yard field goal: Despite an uncharacteristic miss of a 53-yarder earlier in the first half, Tucker bounced back in a big way and proved once again why he’s a pro bowl snub. The most accurate kicker in the NFL history nailed a 56-yard field goal midway through the third quarter to extend the Ravens lead to 16-10. Tucker nailed the attempt right down the uprights and it had more than enough distance on it.

Patrick Onwuasor, Tavon Young fumble return touchdown: Just when it seemed the Ravens were on the brink of another fourth quarter collapse, the Baltimore defense came up with what may have been the biggest play all season. Antonio Gates caught a pass over the middle from Rivers, which would have set the Chargers up at roughly the 37-yard line and driving. However, just before Gates’ knee touched the ground, Patrick “Peanut” Onwuasor punched the ball out from his arm. Tavon Young, just as he did earlier this season, alertly scooped the ball up and returned it 60+ yards for the game-sealing touchdown.

Marlon Humphrey Interception: For the second consecutive week, Humphrey recorded a fourth-quarter interception in a crucial moment. Rivers aired a deep pass to the endzone for Travis Benjamin on 3rd & 10 and Humphrey again played perfect coverage to come away with the pick. Humphrey was far more aggressive than Benjamin and wrestled the ball away from him as the two fell to the ground. It was the second interception Rivers threw in the game and the third forced turnover by the Ravens defense. It was nearly impossible for the Chargers to score two touchdowns in under two minutes, but Humphrey’s interception put the bow on top of the Ravens victory.