Analysis: Backup QBs saw plenty of action in NFL playoffs
Jameis Winston threw a 56-yard trick-play touchdown pass to Tre’Quan Smith on his first playoff action after 76 regular-season games over six seasons. In his 72nd NFL game, Henne atoned for an end zone interception with two huge plays to allow the Chiefs to escape with a 22-17 win over the Browns. Rodgers and Tom Brady, making his 14th conference championship appearance in 21 seasons, square off next week at Lambeau Field. If this was it, Brees went out with a whimper: 134 yards passing and three interceptions in the worst playoff game of his career. The Chiefs forced a punt and Henne got the ball back with just over four minutes left.
Ravens' season ends with Jackson in locker room, 17-3 loss
The Ravens and Lamar Jackson were stymied for the much of Saturday night by a hustling, relentless Buffalo defense. Then, the biggest miscue on a night of missteps for the Ravens effectively put an end to an otherwise memorable season. In the end, however, the Ravens got blown away on a windy night by a team that chased Jackson all over the field. 1-ranked rushing game generated 150 yards, but Jackson was limited to 34 yards on nine carries with a long of 15 yards. Throwing under duress for much of the game, Jackson went 14 of 24 for 162 yards with an interception and three sacks.
Allen, Jackson set for playoff showdown as Bills host Ravens
FILE - Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) talks with Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) following a 24-17 Ravens win in an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., in this Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, file photo. It happened in the 2018 season opener, when the then-raw rookie Bills quarterback was shoved into the Ravens' sideline. Much like Jackson, Allen prefers putting the past behind him and focusing on the next challenge. “We’ve had our backs against the wall since the Pittsburgh game,” Harbaugh said. The Bills limited the Ravens to only 118 yards rushing in last year’s meeting, a 24-17 Ravens win.
Harbaugh, Ravens happily travel road to success in playoffs
Home-field advantage in the playoffs is overrated for Ravens coach John Harbaugh, who has found that the road to success in the postseason usually involves packing his bags and getting the heck out of Baltimore. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, FIle)Home-field advantage in the playoffs is overrated for Ravens coach John Harbaugh, who has found that the road to success in the postseason usually involves packing his bags and getting the heck out of Baltimore. In fact, Harbaugh has a better road record in the playoffs (8-5) than at home (2-2). For Harbaugh and the Ravens, there's nothing like a good old road trip in January. Asked to explain his ascent to the top of the list of road wins for an NFL coach, Harbaugh came up empty.
Lamar winless no more, leads Ravens to 20-13 win over Titans
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) celebrates after scoring a touchdown on a 48-yard run against the Tennessee Titans in the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. At right is Titans cornerback Kristian Fulton (26). After the turnover, the Ravens came onto the field and started waving good-bye to the Titans — drawing a taunting penalty they didn't mind at all. The All-Pro ran all over the Ravens with 328 yards rushing combined in the past two meetings. “We won the division, hosted a home playoff game,” Titans coach Mike Vrabel said. The Titans finally stopped the Ravens' scoring spree at 17 when Gostkowski kicked a 25-yard field goal to start the fourth quarter, pulling within 17-13.
Mahomes leads champion Chiefs to 14-2 mark in stacked AFC
While the Chiefs get another week’s rest, the six other AFC playoff teams get going this weekend. For just the second time since the 1970 league merger, every team in the AFC playoffs has at least 11 wins. Last Lombardi: Super Bowl 54, 31-20 over the San Francisco 49ers on Feb. 2, 2020, at Miami. Last Lombardi: Super Bowl 43, 27-23 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Feb. 1, 2009, at Tampa, Florida. Their pass rush is nearly nonexistent with 19 sacks, the fewest by a playoff team since Denver had 19 in 1979.
AP source: NFL fines Ravens $250,000 for COVID violations
The Baltimore Ravens were fined $250,000 by the NFL for violating COVID-19 protocols, a person with direct knowledge of the punishment told The Associated Press on Monday, Dec. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)The Baltimore Ravens were fined $250,000 by the NFL for violating COVID-19 protocols, a person with direct knowledge of the punishment told The Associated Press on Monday. The team was not docked draft picks for the violations, which led to a coronavirus outbreak and the rescheduling of the Ravens' Thanksgiving night game against Pittsburgh. Ravens coach John Harbaugh acknowledged Monday that the team had been fined for the violation of protocol. In the wake of the virus outbreak at the team training facility, team president Dick Cass addressed the issue in a statement issued on Dec. 5.
NFL's Sills: all proper procedures followed with Dez Bryant
The NFL's medical director says all procedures followed before the Baltimore Ravens' game Tuesday night when receiver Dez Bryant tested positive for COVID-19 were done properly and in the same manner as for every case. “But the same exact process was followed in this case as we do in every case. In the meantime, the league told us we would not be allowed to bring a different player up if he tested positive, but if he tested positive, he wasn’t going to be allowed to play. "My understanding, they did all the contact tracing; all the procedures were followed as far as any other player was concerned. But then they came back out when we were on the field in pre-game warmups and said that he had tested positive.
Cam Newton helps Patriots beat Ravens in rain and wind
New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton, center, celebrates his rushing touchdown with teammates in the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. Cam Newton threw a touchdown pass and ran for another score and the Patriots fought through rain and wind to hold off the Baltimore Ravens 23-17 on Sunday night. Damien Harris ran for a career-high 121 yards to help the Patriots (4-5) win consecutive games for the first time this season. As rain and wind pelted the field, the Ravens started the drive with a penalty, pushing them back to their own 9. Facing second-and-6 on the Ravens 24, Newton threw what appeared to be a wide receiver screen to Jakobi Meyers.
Short-handed Ravens hope for negative COVID-19 tests & depth
(AP Photo/Gail Burton)The Baltimore Ravens are considerably short-handed at practice this week after moving two starting offensive linemen to injured reserve and placing eight players on the COVID-19 reserve list. Following Humphrey's diagnosis, the Ravens put starting linebackers Patrick Queen, Matthew Judon and L.J. Fort on COVID-19 reserve, along with starting safety DeShon Elliott and reserve linebackers Malik Harrison and Tyus Bowser. “It creates opportunities for a few younger guys and for some guys to play some different spots. “We know that any given week you could be down a key player or key players,” starting strong safety Chuck Clark said.
Ravens' Humphrey says he has virus; Packers also have 1 case
The Green Bay Packers reported that a player tested positive for COVID-19, and Arizona coach Kliff Kingsbury confirmed that two Cardinals tested positive over the weekend. The Ravens confirmed Monday that a player tested positive for COVID-19, but did not release the name of the individual. The Green Bay Packers on Monday also sent out a release that said a player tested positive. Packers officials said all player meetings Monday would be conducted virtually. This marks the first time a Packers player has tested positive during the season.
Ravens hold on for 30-28 win over depleted Eagles
Baltimore Ravens' Gus Edwards (35) scores a touchdown as Philadelphia Eagles' Shaun Bradley (54) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)PHILADELPHIA – The Baltimore Ravens got the stop they needed against a depleted Eagles offense that staged an impressive comeback. Fort and Matthew Judon tackled Carson Wentz on a 2-point conversion attempt with 1:55 remaining and the Ravens held on for a 30-28 victory over Philadelphia on Sunday. “It’s a win that we’re very, very happy to have,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. I'm proud of these guys.”Jackson, the reigning NFL MVP, was efficient, passing for 186 yards and ran for a 37-yard TD.
His flu fled, Ravens' Lamar Jackson 100 percent at practice
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson looks to throw against the Cleveland Browns during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)OWINGS MILLS, MD – Going up against opposing NFL defenses was far easier for Lamar Jackson than fighting the flu, which got the best of the All-Pro quarterback as the Baltimore Ravens prepare for the playoffs. Because Jackson was in no condition to play last Sunday or practice early this week. Over the first 15 games of the season, Jackson ran for 1,206 yards, threw 36 touchdown passes and led the Ravens to 13 wins. “But Lamar had a heck of a practice and he looked 100 percent."