The Baltimore Ravens became the first team in the AFC to clinch a playoff spot with their victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 15 on Sunday Night Football. It was a strong performance from the Ravens, who won 23-7 and pushed their record to 11-3 on the season.
They are now in the driver’s seat for first place in the AFC, with a one-game lead over the Miami Dolphins. The AFC North race is nearly wrapped up as the Ravens hold a two-game lead over the Cleveland Browns with three games to play.
A big reason for the Ravens being in the position they are is because of their defense. They have the No. 1 scoring defense in the NFL, giving up a league-low 16.1 points per game. Limiting yardage is something they also excel at, as they are second in yards allowed with 4,030.
NFL News & Rumors: Roquan Smith & Baltimore Ravens Updates
The Jaguars experience how tough it is to score against the Ravens firsthand this weekend. They gained 333 total yards, with their only score coming on a defensive breakdown that allowed Jamal Agnew to break loose for a 65-yard touchdown reception.
After the game, star linebacker Roquan Smith issued a bold warning to the rest of the league. The Ravens have one goal in mind and no one is going to stop them from achieving it, as they are ready to steamroll all of their opponents.
“Whoever gets in our way, it have to be dealt with, by any means necessary,” Smith said to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports following Sunday night’s victory.
NFL News & Rumors: Roquan Smith & Baltimore Ravens Updates
To this point, Smith and the Ravens defense has dealt with everything that has been placed in front of them. Injuries haven’t slowed them down at all either, as Baltimore looks like one of the few true Super Bowl contenders in the NFL heading into the stretch run of the regular season.
But, their job is far from over. The Ravens face a daunting schedule the rest of the way with matchups against the San Francisco 49ers, Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers. They are going to need their defense to continue playing at a high level to lock in the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
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