| Dates: 7 September 2023 – 7 January 2024 |
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The Baltimore Ravens dismissed a third-quarter rally by the Tennessee Titans to win 24-16 within the final of this yr’s three NFL video games in London.
4 Justin Tucker subject targets and a Zay Flowers landing gave the Ravens a 18-3 lead after a dominant first half in entrance of 61,011 at Tottenham.
Some poor self-discipline from Baltimore allowed Tennessee to get again within the sport within the third quarter, by way of a Nick Folks subject objective and a landing from the NFL’s two-time dashing chief Derrick Henry.
However two extra subject targets within the fourth quarter by Tucker, the NFL’s most constant kicker, ensured the Ravens improved to a 4-2 document whereas the Titans slip to 2-4.
Baltimore suffered an agonising late defeat at their divisional rivals Pittsburgh Steelers final week, however regrouped to safe a victory that was useful, if not flashy.
Baltimore’s UK followers would have hoped to see extra huge performs from quarterback Lamar Jackson, the NFL’s Most Priceless Participant in 2019, and star receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
However they might want to grind out extra wins like this if they’re to lastly mount a Tremendous Bowl run having gained just one play-off sport of their final 4 postseason appearances.
“I believed the fellows fought by way of adversity,” stated Ravens coach John Harbaugh. “Lamar Jackson performed one of the crucial brave video games I’ve seen.”
Jackson added: “Meaning loads, coming from the pinnacle coach. The sky is the restrict for us this season.”
Ravens’ defence flocks spherical Titans
Ryan Tannehill’s place as Tennessee Titans quarterback has come beneath scrutiny after a blended begin to the season and he was set to be examined by a Ravens defence ranked second-best within the NFL.
Final week Buffalo followers created a wall of noise in a bid to distract Trevor Lawrence and his Jacksonville workforce at any time when they have been in possession, however some Tennessee followers booed their very own man Tannehill when he got here out for the Titans’ opening possession.
In working again Henry and extensive receiver DeAndre Hopkins, the Titans boast two of the NFL’s greatest offensive gamers but after that first drive they made only one first down on their subsequent 4 possessions, which resulted in 4 punts.
The Ravens cemented their early dominance with Jackson capping an 80-yard drive with a 10-yard move to Flowers for the rookie receiver’s first NFL landing.
With 12 seconds left of the primary half, Tennessee fumbled a punt to let Tucker make it 18-3 with the final kick of a dire half for the Titans.
It took a roughing the passer penalty towards Baltimore on third down to provide the Titans a lifeline early within the second half.
Henry had been restricted to 18 yards from seven carries however burst into life with a 63-yard run, which resulted in a second subject objective for Folks.
Ravens security Kyle Hamilton was then ejected after a helmet-to-helmet deal with and Henry ran the ball into the nook from 15 yards, however the momentum swung again in Baltimore’s favour as Geno Stone intercepted Tannehill and Tucker kicked his fifth subject objective.
An ankle harm noticed Tannehill changed by back-up Malik Willis, who was additionally smothered by the Ravens’ defence. He was sacked 4 occasions as Baltimore completed with six sacks – two apiece for Jadeveon Clowney and Justin Madubuike.
Tucker added his sixth subject objective earlier than Folks kicked his third, tying Tucker’s all-time document for consecutive subject targets produced from inside 40 yards – 70, with Folks’s run beginning in October 2019.