The Ravens' Fourth Down Decisions Were the DIFFERENCE Against Chargers

11/26/24 •

Summaries by topic

• English

The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Chargers, showcasing their dominance in the running game, particularly with Derrick Henry, after a slow offensive start. The Ravens' successful fourth-down attempts and ability to control the ground game proved pivotal in their victory, while the Chargers struggled to maintain their early lead and their offense faltered in the second half due to inconsistencies in the running game and dropped passes, potentially foreshadowing a late-season decline.

Ravens' Ground Game Dominance

• 00:01:07 The Ravens established a dominant ground game, led by Derrick Henry's 140 yards on 24 carries, and Lamar Jackson's play-action abilities. This approach allowed them to score 30 points after trailing 10-0 early in the game, highlighting their ability to control the game's tempo and wear down the Chargers' defense.

Chargers' Offensive Struggles

• 00:11:25 The Chargers' offensive struggles in the second half were a key factor in their loss, as their running game faltered and their passing game suffered from dropped passes by receivers like Quentin Johnston. This suggests the Chargers may lack the offensive consistency to overcome deficits, and their reliance on Justin Herbert might not always be enough.

Ravens' Successful Fourth Downs

• 00:05:50 The Ravens' successful fourth-down decisions were a critical component of their victory. Their trust in their offensive line and Derrick Henry in short-yardage situations, especially in the second quarter, kept them on the field and prevented the Chargers from regaining momentum and scoring before halftime.

Chargers' Defensive Decline

• 00:09:56 Despite a strong start, the Chargers' defense began to struggle as the game progressed, particularly against the Ravens' rushing attack. This defensive decline, along with their offensive inconsistencies, raises concerns about their ability to compete against stronger opponents in the upcoming weeks, possibly leading to a late-season slump.