Ravens vs. Chargers final: MVP, 18 Winners & 3 Losers

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The Baltimore Ravens (5-1) welcomed the Los Angeles Chargers (4-2) with smothering defense and overwhelming offense, ultimately winning 34-6.

MVP: DeShon Elliott

This was a complete and total victory for the Ravens, but the return of Elliott showed how strong the Ravens’ defense is when both starting safeties are on the field. Elliott notched a third-down sack early in the game and then intercepted Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert later on. His return allowed the Ravens to move multiple players back into their natural positions, including cornerback Jimmy Smith. Herbert couldn’t get anything going in the passing game and ultimately, they fly all the way back to Los Angeles with only six points on the board.

Winners

Anthony Averett — What a bounce-back game by the No. 2 cornerback. After struggling against the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night, Averett bullied his opponents. If not for wide receiver Keenan Allen literally dragging Averett to the turf, he gets an interception on Herbert.

Brandon Stephens — With Elliott returning, Stephens was able to roam the field with fewer responsibilities. This, in turn, allowed him to make plays across the field, including a huge stop with the Chargers setting up a screen pass.

Chuck Clark — First quarter Clark is a different breed. The Chargers attempted a screen pass that would have mauled through a blitzing Ravens defense but instead, Clark elevated and swatted the pass down, setting the tone for the game.

Marlon Humphrey — On multiple occasions, Herbert tested the coverage of Humphrey. Each time, Humphrey denied him. The Chargers failed to complete two fourth-down conversions by throwing the ball Humphrey’s way. All day, Humphrey was bottling up the opposing receiver.

Justin Houston — The pass rusher notched sack No. 99.5 today after taking down Herbert. Now, he’s only one sack from joining the centennial club.

Josh Bynes — Multiple stops from Bynes allowed the Ravens’ defense to exit the field, including a pass breakup on third down. Bynes’ play helped to settle down the middle of the field and the Chargers decided to not attack the defense in that direction.

Calais Campbell — Good pressure created throughout today’s affair and his presence was noticed. The Chargers struggled to protect the interior pressure which flummoxed the young quarterback.

Patrick Mekari — Once considered a depth lineman, Mekari has become a standout for the Ravens at right tackle. He went toe-to-toe with pass rusher Joey Bosa and performed as admirably as one could fare. Bosa got the best of him a couple times but Mekari held tough for most of the game. He also led Lamar Jackson downfield for a big 22-yard gain on the ground.

Trystan Colon — The rotational lineman played well as an extra blocker and filling in for center Bradley Bozeman once he exited with an injury late in the game. He’s also the player who helped spring the big run by Jackson noted earlier.

Latavius Murray — Yet another rushing touchdown for the running back. He’s now up to four scores in six games.

Devonta Freeman — The veteran was running like he was five years ago, ultimately gashing the Chargers 32nd ranked run defense for 53 yards and a touchdown on nine carries.

Le’Veon Bell — The third veteran back on the roster got his first touchdown in a Ravens uniform, scoring the hat trick on the ground for the running back room.

Mark Andrews — Continuously found the easy yards in the Chargers’ pass defense, including a 13-yard gain on 3rd & 10 right before the end of the third quarter. The Chargers called a timeout prior to the play and still couldn’t get off the field. He ended the game with five catches for 68 yards and a touchdown.

Devin Duvernay — Shortened the field the offense needed to go with every play on special teams. He had multiple big-yard returns both by way of punt and kick returns. Even when he didn’t return the ball, he helped the offense. On one punt, he blocked a Chargers’ gunner and the ball bounced off the 10-yard line and bounced into the endzone for a touchback. His Pro Bowl bid as a returner is well on its way.

Justin Tucker — A pair of field goals, including a 52-yard completion. The best in the game did his job.

John Harbaugh — Outcoached Chargers’ Brandon Staley at every turn. This game showed the difference between the two and it was glaring.

Don ‘Wink’ Martindale — The defense was prepared for a high-powered Chargers offense and kept them to single digits. Consistently put players in a position to execute and they did. Also, the tackling issues for the past few weeks were absent today.

Greg Roman — At times he may have been too aggressive, but it’s good to see he Roman’s willingness to go for the kill here. He didn’t give the Chargers an opportunity to get back into this game. The mistakes on the field are what gashed the team.

Losers*

*This title is indicating the player had a poor game. It happens. No NFL player or team is perfect and to not mention the struggles would be wrong.

Josh Oliver — Had some strong blocking at times but cost the Ravens some yards with a penalty and later on nearly lost the football after being stripped by safety Derwin James.

Lamar Jackson — Jackson played a good game and it’s strange putting the quarterback who had 70% completion in this column, but he threw maybe his career worst interception directly to linebacker Kyzir White and was sacked three times. He also missed a few open looks to Andrews that would’ve extended the lead further. Ultimately, Jackson played good enough, but there is room to improve and I’m confident he’d agree.

Rashod Bateman — His first four receptions gained four first downs, but a bobbled pass fell into the arms of White for his second interception of the game. It’s great to have him on the field and he’ll grow, but I think a bit of criticism is fair here. The ball hit him on the numbers.