Well, it was very clear that the Ravens felt slighted by being the underdogs heading into the game against the 49ers.
The Little Ball of Hate gives his hot takes during the game.
First half thoughts, Ravens defense flexes their muscles
Offense going against this great defense is going to need to take some deep shots.
Early difference between these two offenses is the 49ers have a healthy All-Pro tight end George Kittle.
Ravens get the first turnover at a crucial time. Ravens get screwed when Lamar tripped over the ref in the end zone. To be fair, Lamar Jackson shouldn’t have backed up all the way into the end zone after the snap from the 20 yard line.
Defensive holding on 4th and 1 was bullshit. Should never have been called.
So far the defense, to start the game, looks pretty good. Definitely a tough straw to draw against a stacked 49ers offense. I mean Purdy (yes I know he was Mr. Irrelevant), Christian McCaffery, Dabbo Samuel, Kittle. Still can’t believe the Panthers let go of McCaffery for a song.
Zay Flowers has Short Space Quickness? Troy Aikman, what the hell does that mean? Flowers was a great draft pick by the Ravens. Boston College isn’t exactly known as a Wide Receiver factory, so give credit to the Ravens scouting department for finding him.
I’ll be honest, I didn’t agree with going for it on fourth and goal from the one-yard line with 9:35 left in the half, but it worked snd it was a clutch decision by Harbaugh. He didn’t hesitate either, which was probably a key reason why it ended up working.
49ers timeout management has been poor at best. Young QB Brock Purdy took an early timeout in the first possession, then they burned their second timeout with 5:35 left in the half.
Out of the three MVP contenders on the field, Jackson was clearly the best player. He had 252 yards passing on 23 of 35 attempts, with 2 TDs. Add in 45 yards rushing, and that's an impressive game.
Aikman says it’s hard to make up 3rd and long distances against this (49ers) defense, but not many teams have a Lamar Jackson, well technically you are right, only one team does, the Ravens.
They are going to say Purdy’s three interceptions were unlucky because of the tipped balls. But I would argue that two of them were bad decisions.
Clearly Brock Purdy was not ready to face one of the top five defenses in the league.
Second half thoughts
49ers start with the ball, a key series for the Ravens defense, up just four points 16-12, the Ravens get a three and out.
This game is pure craziness! Purdy’s fourth interception early in the third quarter? I think this shows the difference between a veteran and a young quarterback. No knock on Purdy but he hasn’t played against many defenses like the Ravens. I did not see this game playing out the way it did.
I am no longer intrigued with Humphrey’s ability. He is reminding me of Jimmy Smith — talented often hurt. Although Humphrey finally seems to be healthy, but he is not performing well at all.
Kittle is having an All-Pro season, arguably better than Travis Kelce this season. Kittle ends with 7 catches, 126 receiving yards. Sam Donald has to come in for Purdy after he reinsures his left stinger. Donald looks good, driving the 49ers to a touchdown.
Purdy could have come back in, but the 49ers threw in the towel at the end.
Side note, I won my bet: Jackson over 220.5 yards passing, Gus Edwards scores a TD and Ravens moneyline. A $4 bet, win $38.
Takeaways
The Ravens have staked their claim as the best team not only in the AFC but in the entire NFL. They have beaten the Jaguars on the road, the Lions, the Bengals and now the 49ers. If they beat the Dolphins next week, there is no doubt that they are the best team in the league and the Super Bowl favorite.
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