The Ravens are the team coming off seven days of rest, but the Rams jumped out to a quick start and led Baltimore 20-17 in the first half at M&T Bank Stadium.
Sean McVay’s team ran nine more plays, held the ball for nine more minutes, and held a three-point lead despite the Ravens outgaining the Rams 243-216 in the first half.
Penalties, one Lamar Jackson interception, and timely passing from quarterback Matthew Stafford allowed the Rams to finish the first half with 17 points in the second quarter.
With the second-half kickoff set, here are highlights and takeaways from the first half.
Rams establish the run on first drive
Rams started the game with nine straight runs against Ravens before that Matthew Stafford incompletion.
The Rams 13 play, 67 yard drive at up 6:01 of clock, and ended with a Lucas Havrisik field goal.
Kyren Williams has 14 carries for 71 yards in a strong first half.
OBJ doing dynamic things
The adjustment by OBJ on this catch 👏
📺: #LARvsBAL on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/pWMED8SAQa pic.twitter.com/p7S17PQuJ0— NFL (@NFL) December 10, 2023
Beckham Jr. has ran the slant and go twice.
The first time, the veteran receiver made the perfect adjustment down the sidelines for a first down.
Beckham Jr. ran the route again, this time from the slot, adjusting on the fly as he logged a 46-yard touchdown pass from Lamar Jackson.
OH MY GOODNESS
LAMAR TO OBJ!!!!!!!
Tune in on FOX! pic.twitter.com/EhczPj5eeM
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 10, 2023
Beckham Jr. has 2 catches for 66 yards and the score.
Jackson and Bateman miss again
Lamar Jackson and Rashod Bateman are now 1-for-10 on deep passes this season, and the latest miss resulted in an interception for Rams cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon.
What a pick by Ahkello Witherspoon 🔥
📺: #LARvsBAL on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/pWMED8SAQa pic.twitter.com/A3zYZKOkB6— NFL (@NFL) December 10, 2023
Justin Madubuike pricing himself out
The dominant defensive tackle logged his 11th sack of the season early in the first quarter.
.@JustinMadubuike keeps it rolling 🔥
Tune in on FOX! pic.twitter.com/omNmnXC1PH
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 10, 2023
Madubuike has 8 tackles, 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss, and 2 QB hits in the first half.
Ravens rotation at Left Tackle
#Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley is standing on the sideline for the third series. Patrick Mekari is in for him. Stanley is sporting a brace on his right knee, which he's worn in practice all week.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) December 10, 2023
Isaiah Likely Strikes it Big
With Mark Andrews out, Jackson’s first big gain of the day went to backup tight end Isaiah Likely, strking for 54 yards and a touchdown on a three play, 66-yard drive.
That's Likely a TOUCHDOWN 😉
Tune in on FOX! pic.twitter.com/f7E736rahA
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 10, 2023
Likely has 4 catches for 72 yards, and 1 score in the first half.
Lamar Jackson first half
Jackson was 13-21 passing, for 206 yards, two touchdowns and one interception on a deep attempt to Rashad Bateman.
Jackson has a 106.4 rating, and 3 carries on 20 yards.
Ravens rushing attack
On a rainy day in Baltimore, the Ravens have leaned on the passing attack, rushing the football 8 times for 37 yards.
Keaton Mitchell and Gus Edwards combined for 5 carries and 17 yards.
Ravens secondary
The Rams have had four different players catch passes, with Cooper Kupp and Davis Allen logging first half touchdowns.
Kupp has 5 catches for 37 yards and the score, while sensational rookie Puka Nacua has 3 catches for 55 yards.
Kyle Hamilton has 4 tackles, while Marcus Williams has 3 tackles and 1 pass defended. In his first game back, Marlon Humphrey has 3 tackles and 1 QB hit.
Matthew Stafford
The veteran quarterback was solid in the first half, going 11-19 passing, for 139 yards and two touchdowns.
Stafford has a 115 rating, while being sacked only once.
Ravens first half penalties
Whether it be Tylan Wallace, Kyle Hamilton or just pure luck, Baltimore’s 6 penalties, for 63 yards is a major reason they’re down six points.
