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Ravens Clinch Playoffs, Jaguars Suffer Third Straight Loss

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) fumbles the ball as Baltimore Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet (10) closes in during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023,

Underneath a starlit Jacksonville night, an electric display of sporting prowess unfolded. Charm City's finest, the Baltimore Ravens, danced their way to postseason glory with a decisive 23-7 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. In a game that felt like a symphony orchestrated by Lamar Jackson himself, the Ravens are now one fluttering step away from clenching the coveted top seed for the AFC playoffs.

An energy-infused play sparked off the purple and black celebration as Jackson artfully saved a near sack and looped a football comet that landed splendidly in the arms of Isaiah Likely. Amidst the orchestra of swooshing pigskins and thudding tackles, a comical tragedy played out as the Jaguars misplaced their mojo, losing for the third time in a row against AFC North nemesis.

What seemed to be a recurring theme in the Jacksonville saga proved to be self-inflicted catastrophes. Heir apparent, Trevor Lawrence, lost control over the pigskin not once but twice during Sunday's showdown. The second fumble sealed the Jaguars’ fate, literally handing the Ravens their eighth victory in their last nine games.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) gets a pass away as he is pressured by Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (33) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) fumbles the ball as Baltimore Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet (10) closes in during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. Maulet recovered the ball on the play. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh argues a call with side judge Clay Reynard (18) in the first half of an NFL football game between the Ravens and the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jamal Agnew (39) scores a touchdown on a 65-yard pass reception against the Baltimore Ravens in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones (7) catches a pass beyond the reach of Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens (21) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) is brought down by Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike after Lawrence tried to pass in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (80) catches a touchdown pass as he is defended by Jacksonville Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard (42) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell is taken off the field in the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards (35) tries to get past Jacksonville Jaguars safety Rayshawn Jenkins in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Baltimore Ravens defensive players celebrate after recovering a fumble by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Sadly, not all was peachy for the Ravens. As the evening wore on, the painful sight of fledgling running-back, Keaton Mitchell, being carted off the field with a twisted knee was a bitter pill to swallow. Despite the loss of Mitchell, Ronnie Stanley, and Marcus Williams, the Ravens, true to form, pressed on. Jackson and Likely, coupled with a formidable defense, provided enough firepower to overcome the injury setback.

On the flip side, the Jaguars had their sparks of brilliance but faltered on critical chances. Jamal Agnew breathed life into the Jaguars' offense with a thrilling 65-yard touchdown catch. However, the Raven's response proved to be a plucky play by Jackson and Likely that notched them crucial points.

Flashes of brilliance were followed by bouts of baffling errors in the Jaguars' camp. Brandon McManus missed two field goals, Lawrence fumbled again and a mismanagement of the game clock saw valuable seconds wasted. The Jaguars could have held a 16-10 lead at halftime. Contrarily, they trailed 10-0.

The perplexity continued as McManus bemoaned a missed penalty call that could have granted them a redo. Defending the team’s honor, holder Logan Cooke exchanged fiery words with the officials, demanding an explanation.

The evening also saw a record tying achievement. Justin Madubuike, the Raven's indomitable defensive tackle, equaled the record of recording at least a half-sack in 11 consecutive games.

The weekend’s win, although coming at a punt of pain, adds to Baltimore’s melodious symphony of success this season, which they will look to continue in their prime-time encounter with San Francisco on Christmas Day. Meanwhile, the Jaguars, licking their wounds, will go toe-to-toe with Tampa Bay on December 24th.

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