Ravens MVP of the week: Patrick Onwuasor

The Baltimore Ravens went into Los Angeles on a short week and completely shut down the high-powered offense of the Chargers. In an absolutely smothering defensive performance, one player stood above the rest with the best game of his career.

Third-year linebacker Patrick Onwuasor made the biggest play of the game, effectively saving Baltimore’s season in the process. With 2:54 left to play, leading only by six points, the Ravens faced a situation that has become far too familiar in recent memory. The fate of the season rested on the defense, as it had the previous two years.

Prior to his game-changing forced fumble, Onwuasor had already made several other big plays, including two sacks on Phillip Rivers. The first sack came early in the third quarter with the Ravens leading 13-10.

The second sack came with 9:45 left in the game. Onwuasor also led the team in tackles with a total of nine.

With just under three minutes remaining in the game and trailing by six, Los Angeles had the ball after a three-and-out from Baltimore’s offense. After a penalty backed the Chargers up into 1st-and-20, Rivers hit veteran tight end Antonio Gates across the middle when Onwuasor punched the football loose on the tackle. Cornerback Tavon Young was there to recover the fumble and return it for a touchdown, extending the lead to 22-10.

Onwuasor was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his standout performance against Los Angeles.