Baltimore Ravens 34, New York Jets 17
Going into Sunday night’s match-up between the Jets and the Ravens, we knew it would be a hard fought defensive game. We didn’t expect it to be a game that was determined primarily by defensive scores.
As far as physical games go, it doesn’t get any better than this game. The Jets and the Ravens both came out of the gates with their defenses swinging. Apparently, the quarterbacks didn’t realize they were actually playing, and it cost both teams.
Mark Sanchez and Joe Flacco were both harassed most of the game, but the Ravens had the edge throughout. Baltimore was able to create more turnovers that resulted in easy points. Sanchez seemed almost lost as he tried to navigate the Ravens’ defense, and it quickly became clear that he was in for a long game.
Not only were the Ravens able to score with their defense, but they were able to run the ball down the Jets’ throat. Now, we have to begin to question what’s happened to the Jets’ run defense. In all reality, the Jets did a great job defending the run until the Ravens decided that they just wanted to burn off the clock. At that point, up 34-17, the Ravens started calling run after run, and the Jets could do little to slow them down.
The Jets walk away from this game with a lot of concerns and very few answers. With such a terrible offensive show tonight, New York’s media may begin to ask if Mark Sanchez is actually the man for the Jets. He’s shown little progression since last year, and the offense continues to hurt the Jets.
They also have to begin to wonder about the Jets’ playoff chances. I know it’s really, really early to start talking about the playoffs, but at 2-2, they aren’t impressing anyone.
The Ravens walk away with far more answers. Sure, they lost a game to the now 3-1 Titans earlier in the season, but the win should validate them as one of the top teams in the AFC. They didn’t just beat the Jets. They beat them with virtually no offensive production from their quarterback. Joe Flacco has some games that are painful to watch, but when he’s playing well, I don’t see them losing to anyone.
Where They Go From Here
The Jets will play the Patriots, Dolphins, and the Chargers before their bye week. It is very likely that they could lose 2 out of those games, putting them in poor position for a wild card run.
The Ravens come out of this game going into their bye week, followed by games against the Texans and Jaguars. While the Texans could be a tough match-up, they should be able to handle the Jaguars game with ease. Considering the struggles of the Steelers, I’d be shocked if they don’t roll to a divisional title.
