The Ravens flexed their muscle in a dominant 33-19 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 16.
Here’s their Report Card
Offense
Quarterback — Lamar Jackson was amped up early in the game, but he settled down and put on an MVP-caliber performance. He completed 23 of 35 pass attempts for 252 yards with two touchdowns and no turnovers. Jackson also ran for 45 yards on seven carries and extended plays with his elusiveness. Jackson improved to 20-1 against the NFC teams.
Grade: A
Running Backs — The Ravens compiled 102 yards on the ground. Gus Edwards had nine carries for 31 yards with a touchdown. Jackson and Edwards also hooked up for a 39-yard catch and run on their first possession of the second half that set up a touchdown. Justice Hill had 10 carries for 26 yards and three receptions for 31 yards.
Grade: B
Wide receivers — Jackson did a solid job spreading the ball around, throwing passes to eight players. Zay Flowers showed some burst and finished with nine catches for 72 yards with a touchdown. Isaiah Likely had another solid game with three catches for 56 yards. Nelson Agholor managed to get open on an extended play by Jackson and had a 6-yard touchdown reception.
Grade: B
Offensive Line — The Ravens rotated players on the offensive line because of health reasons. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley and guard John Simpson had costly penalties but overall this group did well and gave Jackson time to throw. The line was also physical in the run game.
Grade: B
Defense
Linebackers — Patrick Queen and Roquan Smith were the most physical players on the field. Queen had an interception in the third quarter that swayed the momentum of the game. Outside linebackers Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy also had a sack.
Grade: A
Defensive Line — 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey finished with 103 yards on 14 carries with a touchdown, but the Ravens minimized the damage. Defensive tackle Justin Madubuike had another physical game and finished with four tackles. Defensive end Brent Urban had his best game with two sacks.
Grade: B+
Secondary — 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was 18 of 32 for 255 yards with a career-high four interceptions, three of which came in the first half. He was also sacked twice and had to leave the game in the fourth quarter with a stinger. His backup, Sam Darnold, also had an interception. Cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey (one interception), Brandon Stephens, and Ronald Darby were mostly solid in coverage. Safety Kyle Hamilton had two interceptions, including one after he got up from being knocked on the ground, before leaving with a knee injury. Safety Marcus Williams also had an interception to end the 49er’ last possession.
Grade: A-
Special Teams — Kicker Justin Tucker was flawless, converting on field goal attempts from 28, 41, 28 and 24 yards. Jordan Stout averaged 43.3 yards on three punts. Tylan Wallace had a couple of nice returns. With the exception of a 26-yard kickoff return by Deebo Samuel, coverage was solid and physical.
Grade: B+
Coaching — The Ravens picked up another signature win against the NFC’s best team. Coach John Habaugh had the team focused on Christmas night. Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald continues to build his resume’ to be a head coach. Offensive coordinator Todd Mnken called a solid game.
Grade: A