Baltimore Ravens vs. Los Angeles : The Baltimore Ravens secured a critical win against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football, prevailing with a 30-23 scoreline. This game showcased Baltimore’s strengths while exposing weaknesses in Los Angeles’ game plan. Here’s what we learned.
Ravens Dominate with Ground Game
Baltimore’s success stemmed from their powerful running game. Derrick Henry was unstoppable, tearing through a Chargers defense ranked 10th against the run entering the week. His explosive performance began with long gains of 19, 14, and 11 yards during Baltimore’s first touchdown drive.
Henry finished the night with 140 rushing yards on 24 carries, a performance capped by a game-clinching stiff-arm on a key third down. His physicality allowed quarterback Lamar Jackson to rely less on his arm, as the Ravens exploited the Chargers’ inability to stop the run.
This approach reflects Baltimore’s identity—a team that thrives when the running game establishes dominance. Henry’s contributions allowed Jackson to stay efficient, completing passes strategically rather than carrying the offense entirely on his shoulders.
Chargers Lose Balance After Dobbins’ Injury
Former Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins joined the Chargers in the offseason seeking a fresh start. Early in the game, Dobbins appeared motivated, gaining 40 yards on six carries. However, his night ended abruptly after a knee injury in the first half.
Without Dobbins, Los Angeles abandoned the run game. They rushed the ball just five more times in the second half, putting immense pressure on quarterback Justin Herbert. The Chargers held a narrow lead at halftime, but their one-dimensional offense faltered as Baltimore surged ahead.
The loss of offensive balance highlighted a flaw in the Chargers’ strategy. Without the ability to sustain drives on the ground, Los Angeles couldn’t match the Ravens’ efficiency. This game serves as a reminder for the Chargers to maintain a balanced attack, regardless of circumstances.
Chargers’ Receiving Corps Struggles
As the Chargers shifted to a pass-heavy game plan, another issue became apparent: their lack of a deep-threat receiver. Herbert aired out passes but failed to connect consistently. Josh Palmer struggled to gain separation, while first-round pick Quentin Johnston had a rough outing, dropping a critical third-down pass.
Rookie receiver Ladd McConkey was the lone bright spot in the receiving corps, but his contributions weren’t enough. Without reliable playmakers downfield, the Ravens’ defense capitalized, pressuring Herbert relentlessly in the closing minutes.
Los Angeles’ struggles in the passing game highlight a pressing offseason need for a dynamic receiver who can stretch the field.
Chargers’ Defense Falters Against Elite Opponent
The Chargers’ defense had been a cornerstone of their success in 2024, but it crumbled against Baltimore’s multifaceted attack. Derrick Henry’s dominance set the tone, while Jackson exploited weaknesses in the secondary during crucial moments.
Baltimore’s second touchdown drive featured precise targeting of Kristian Fulton, exposing vulnerabilities in the Chargers’ coverage. The Ravens’ balanced offense kept Los Angeles on their heels, scoring 30 points despite committing nine penalties.
This game raised questions about the Chargers’ status as a legitimate AFC contender. Their inability to contain elite offenses, coupled with lapses in offensive execution, suggests they may struggle against top-tier teams.
Ravens Show Poise Under Pressure
Despite falling behind by 10 points early, the Ravens didn’t waver. They outscored the Chargers 30-6 during a decisive stretch, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
Lamar Jackson’s 40-yard touchdown pass to Rashod Bateman, which traveled 57.4 yards in the air, was a highlight of Baltimore’s comeback. This marked Jackson’s second-longest completion of the season and underscored his ability to deliver in critical moments.
The Ravens also relied on their defense in the second half, limiting the Chargers to just three points and sacking Herbert three times. Their cohesive effort showcased why they remain a force in the AFC playoff race.
Historical Context and Player Milestones
Derrick Henry’s performance was a milestone night. It marked his sixth game of 2024 with over 100 rushing yards and his 20th career game with 140 or more rushing yards. This feat ties him with Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson for the seventh-most such games in NFL history.
Meanwhile, Justin Tucker’s reliable kicking added stability for Baltimore. After missing two long attempts in Week 11, Tucker redeemed himself with a crucial 45-yard field goal.
Looking Ahead
The Ravens’ victory reaffirms their identity as a ground-and-pound team with big-play capability. As they prepare for a showdown with the red-hot Eagles, Baltimore will aim to build on their strengths and address penalty concerns.
For the Chargers, this loss serves as a wake-up call. They must address their lack of offensive balance and improve their receiving options to remain competitive in the AFC playoff picture.
Final Thoughts
Baltimore’s win highlighted their ability to execute under pressure, leaning on their strengths and adapting as needed. For Los Angeles, it exposed areas that require improvement. Both teams leave this game with lessons to carry into the season’s final stretch.
This prime-time battle showed why the Ravens are a playoff threat and why the Chargers still have work to do before they can truly contend.
