Ravens defense, special teams steal the show in 19-17 win over Jaguars

It wasn't pretty, but the Ravens managed to improve to 3-0 behind a solid defensive and special teams effort

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) is sacked by Baltimore Ravens defensive end Timmy Jernigan (99) during the second half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016. Photo courtesy of baltimoreravens.com.

The Ravens are still undefeated and atop the AFC North after taking another game down to the wire.

It’s a good thing Baltimore has figured out how to finish close games because that’s been the story of their season through Week 3.

Joe Flacco threw two costly interceptions that put his defense in a hole while giving Jacksonville’s offense excellent field position. Flacco may want to send his defense an early Christmas card because they continuously made stops the whole game to give him the ball back.

The defensive effort was highlighted by C.J. Mosley’s one-handed interception. Reminder: He is a linebacker, not a cornerback or safety.

Timmy Jernigan also turned in a solid defensive effort, tipping a pass that landed in the hands of teammate Tavon Young for an interception.

While Terrell Suggs had a quiet first half, he roared back in the second half with two critical sacks.

It looks like the 2016 Ravens may be taking a page out of the 2015 Broncos’ book — exceptional defense and special teams that produces wins.

Brent Urban also stuffed Jacksonville’s opportunity to go up by six late in the game, blocking a field goal attempt, which was recovered by linebacker Zachary Orr.

Orr also snagged the game-winning interception with only a few seconds left in regulation.

Justin Tucker continued to prove why he’s one of the most valuable players on the Ravens as he converted all four of his field goals, including the game-winner from 54 yards out.

Despite a pedestrian 64.0 passer rating, Flacco managed to complete 21 passes in a row during this game, which is a new Ravens franchise record for completions in a row during a game.

The Ravens’ run game wasn’t perfect, but it was superior to what we’ve seen compared to the previous two games. Terrance West managed to gain 45 yards on 10 carries while Flacco scored Baltimore’s only offensive touchdown of the game on a 7-yard quarterback sneak.

Baltimore will return home next week to take on the Raiders on Sunday, Oct. 2.

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About Conner Scott Disotelle 53 Articles
Conner Scott Disotelle is an alumni of Urbana High School and is a current Sport Communication major at Shepherd University. Conner has been an NFL enthusiast since he was 8 years old and his passion for the game will never burn out. Conner has high school experience in football and lacrosse and has collegiate experience in rugby. In May of 2016, Conner joined Maryland Sports Access with the intention of being a beat writer for the Ravens and he hasn't looked back since then. Conner aspires to be an NFL journalist for NFL Network, CBS, NBC, FOX, or ESPN and also plans on writing articles for NFL.com one day.

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