Lamar Jackson, Ravens Defense Celebrated by NFL Fans in Rout vs. Brock Purdy, 49ers

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIDecember 26, 2023

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

There’s no doubt who the NFL’s best team is at the moment after the Baltimore Ravens destroyed the host San Francisco 49ers 33-19 on Christmas evening.

And we now have a new leader in the MVP race as well in Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.

This was supposed to be a tightly contested battle between the AFC and NFC’s top seeds. That’s how it played out for one half, at least, as the Ravens held a 16-12 halftime lead.

However, Baltimore scored 17 unanswered points thanks to Jackson touchdown passes to Nelson Agholor and Zay Flowers as well as a Justin Tucker field goal. Entering the fourth quarter, the Ravens led 30-12.

The 49ers did make it a bit interesting late with a Ronnie Bell touchdown catch and another late drive to attempt to make this a one-score game in the final minutes, but a Marcus Williams interception shut that effort down.

Ultimately, the Ravens showed why they own the league’s top scoring defense. They were in quarterback Brock Purdy and Sam Darnold’s faces all night, amassing five interceptions (two from Kyle Hamilton), four sacks and nine quarterback hits.

Purdy, the NFL MVP favorite entering the evening, struggled in particular with four picks. Per Lisa Salters on the ABC/ESPN broadcast, Purdy left the game in the fourth quarter with a stinger. He was cleared to return, but the 49ers stuck with Darnold late as the game was essentially out of reach.

The biggest pick was courtesy of Patrick Queen, who set the Ravens up nine yards from the end zone after this effort with Baltimore up 23-12.

Baltimore Ravens @RavensINTERCEPTION @Patrickqueen_!!!!!!! INTERCEPTION NO. 4 FOR THE DEFENSE!!!!

TUNE IN ON ABC!!! #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/eM9b1HkgL9

That soon set up a Zay Flowers touchdown for the three-score advantage.

Baltimore Ravens @RavensTOUCHDOWN @ZAYFLOWERS FROM @LJ_ERA8!!!!!

TUNE IN ON ABC!!! #PROBOWLVOTE pic.twitter.com/Rjx2NMTpAt

As for Jackson, he showed why he’s the MVP favorite now. He completed 23-of-35 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns while adding 45 rushing yards. Jackson’s favorite target was Zay Flowers, who snagged nine passes for 72 yards and a score.

Jackson routinely led a confident, efficient and explosive offense that uses its weapons all over the field. The biggest one is Jackson, of course, who received plenty of praise on social media alongside the ferocious defensive effort.

Governor Wes Moore @GovWesMooreIn Maryland we’ve known @Lj_era8 is the MVP, but tonight the rest of the @NFL found out! #RavensFlock

JustinTinsley @JustinTinsleyLamar Jackson was a free agent and teams just went, “We good.” I’ll never forget that.

Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 @big_business_STATEMENT GAME TO THE WHOLE LEAGUE

Ravens 12-3
5 interceptions
Best defense in the league
Lamar Jackson the MVP pic.twitter.com/o2CTPRTOXX

Sarah Ellison @sgellisonI’ve seen enough. Lamar Jackson is MVP pic.twitter.com/7N3OKsEiRU

Ari Meirov @MySportsUpdateThis feels ancient, but…. Remember when every NFL team was allowed to talk to Lamar Jackson in the offseason, and a bunch of teams publicly came out and just said “nah, we’re good.”

Robert Griffin III @RGIIILamar Jackson SNATCHED the MVP Award tonight.

Baltimore Beatdown @BmoreBeatdownThat’s soon-to-be two-time MVP Lamar Jackson.

Spencer Schultz @ravens4dummiesThe Ravens defense is the apex predator in football.

Lamar Jackson is the apex quarterback.

They’re a balanced, sound, physical football team.

Jason Wilson @mrjasonowilsonSF against the Ravens defense pic.twitter.com/kTqGsHiFW5

Aaron Schatz 🏈 @ASchatzNFLPeople talking about how this game is going to cost Purdy the MVP as if the Ravens defense is not VERY VERY GOOD. This is what they do to opposing QBs!

Jim Palmer @Jim22PalmerRavens rule . Tremendous Xmas present for Raven fans. Dominate 49’ers on the road.Stifling defense .

Luke Jones @BaltimoreLukeQuite an exclamation point from this defense. And no need to check the power rankings tomorrow after this butt whooping — the Baltimore Ravens are the undisputed best team in the NFL on Christmas night.

Kei @RealMamaEagleA clinic by this Baltimore Ravens defense tonight.

br_betting @br_bettingRavens defense winning everyone money in their fantasy leagues this week 😂 pic.twitter.com/hyuNCDfcze

Baltimore will now host the Miami Dolphins on Sunday afternoon. The Ravens will clinch the AFC’s No. 1 seed with a win.