Funviralpark With Jackson (who sprained his knee) missing three straight games, the Ravens relied on a strong running game and a stingy defense to secure a spot in the postseason with a 17-9 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday.
Little did the Ravens (10-4) know that they were ticketing to the playoffs as soon as the game ended. Baltimore had to wait a few more minutes before the New England Patriots lost his 22-18 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
This was the first time Baltimore had qualified for the playoffs without Jackson since acquiring Joe Flacco in 2014.
It was another rough game for an offense without Jackson, who has only scored two touchdowns in three games without the 2019 NFL MVP. The Ravens got a good amount of running his game, gaining 184 yards on the ground. Jackson’s substitute, Tyler Huntley, was 9/17 for 115 yards and one touchdown.
The Ravens’ offense is struggling, but their defense continues to tighten. Baltimore stepped up to stop Atlanta on a fourth goal from the 1-yard line in the fourth quarter. It was the third time in the past six games that the Baltimore defense has disallowed a touchdown.
The Ravens could win AFC North if they win. Their final two games are at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers and in the finale against the Cincinnati Bengals.
