It’s official!
Festivus has returned as the Baltimore Ravens clinched a playoff spot with a 23-7 victory over Jacksonville on Sunday night.
I know I’m showing my age with the reference made popular on Seinfeld, but the word has a special connection to this franchise. In 2000, then coach Brian Billick had banned players from using the word “playoffs” and so “Festivus” became the replacement term.
Baltimore was only in its fifth season of existence, and it was a year of firsts for the club. First time recording double digit victories, first time earning a playoff berth, first time hosting a post-season game since 1977 and of course winning its first Lombardi trophy.
This season has had a few parallels to that epic campaign, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Both units lead the league in points allowed and both were led on the field by passionate inside linebackers who set the tone every game.
The similarities may end there though particularly on offense as Lamar Jackson continues to show that his unique skills defy description and that he truly is the most valuable player on this team. Cris Collinsworth heaped praise on Jackson all evening long and said that the stats just don’t tell the whole story of just how good he is. I agree with that sentiment. The numbers looked pretty pedestrian -14 for 24 passing for 171 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception for a Quarterback Rating of 76.9. However, Jackson used his improvisational skills and elusiveness to buy time in the pocket most of the evening. The huge toss to Isiah Likely was the culmination of his efforts and it left the Jaguars front pounding the turf in frustration. His ability to make plays outside of the offense is what really makes him special and makes the Ravens offense difficult to defend.
The Ravens have now reached the playoffs for the fifth time in six seasons during the Lamar era. During that stretch they have a record of one win against four losses. Ravens fans are hungry for a deep playoff run. Analysts who are still not willing to give Jackson his just due will continue to point to his lack of playoff success if they make another quick exit. The team is anxious to shed the label of “chokers”. The pressure and excitement of Festivus is almost here.
Can’t wait to see how it all plays out.
1) Breakout – Former third round pick Justin Madubuike is a having a monster season and it couldn’t come at a better time for the team or himself. He leads the team in sacks with 12 in 14 games, while adding 45 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, 30 quarterback hits and 1 forced fumble.
What stands out the most from those impressive numbers is his consistency. If he can continue this high level of production this weekend, then he just may make history. If Madubuike can get another sack in San Francisco then he will become the first player in NFL to take down the quarterback in twelve consecutive games.
He chose a perfect time on a personal level to up his game as he’s currently in the final year of his rookie contract. Reliable interior pass rushers are rare and that means the market for his services will be competitive. Who knows if the Ravens will be able to find the financial resources to sign him to a second deal?
2) Marquee Match-Up – This game really isn’t that important in terms of the Ravens playoff hopes and/or seeding for January. Naturally the NFL doesn’t see it that way. They can market a game between the league’s top two teams on a night with a captive national audience. This will be billed as a potential “Super Bowl” preview with stars on both sides to keep even causal fans interested enough to tune in.
The Niners are a formidable foe to be sure but I do see two points to consider heading into this game. First is the San Fran run defense as they were gashed by the lowly Cardinals last week to the tune of 234 yards on the ground with 16 missed tackles. The Ravens made a few adjustments at halftime and literally ran all over Jacksonville for twenty yards more than that total amount. Baltimore is a team built to run and while the loss of Keaton Mitchell will be important there are still plenty of players to tote the rock. Maybe Zay gets a few touches after a quiet week, who knows? Second the Ravens have a league best record on the road 6-1 where they’ve allowed the fewest points (14.4) and yards (270.3). I realize that the the 49ers have a very potent offense, one of the league’s best, but may of those game were against mid-range to lower tier defenses.
3) Who to Watch? – I’m going with Uncle Ro, Agent Zero himself Roquan Smith who is having an All-Pro season. His 142 combined tackles are impressive but I just love his passion on the field and he brings some swagger to the unit in an age where the Baltimore Bullies of the early aughts seems like ages ago.
On offense I’m looking at the tackles Ronnie Stanley and Morgan Moses. The interior line played well, the edges did not. In fact there was free subbing and switching off during drives to keep players fresh. That doesn’t bode well going up against Chase Young and Nick Bosa. Once again Lamar may be asked to be the Magic Man and snap his fingers and toes to stay on his feet.
Happy Football everyone! Enjoy Week Sixteen and Go Ravens!
Matt has lived in Maryland his entire life and is a graduate of Calvert Hall and Towson University. has always been an avid Baltimore sports fan. Since 2007, he has been writing and talking about Baltimore sports, especially the Ravens. His work has appeared on Ravens Gab, Russell Street Report, and he currently co-hosts a podcast “The Blitz- A Ravens podcast” with Brent Harris.