Ravens Prove They Are the Best Team in Football After Demolition of 49ers

Monday night in Santa Clara showed just how much better the Baltimore Ravens are than the rest of the league in 2023.

There's only one word to describe what the Baltimore Ravens did to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night in Santa Clara. 

Wow. 

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Baltimore's defense knocked out the MVP front-runner in Brock Purdy late after a four-turnover day, while its franchise quarterback led seven scoring drives in the Ravens' 33-19 victory over the NFC-leading 49ers. 

Even more extraordinary than the final score is the way John Harbaugh's group outplayed a unit in the 49ers that had won their last six games by an average score of over 18 points. 

"We just kept staying locked in trying to keep their offense off the field," Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson told ESPN after the win. "I believe we did all those and came out with a victory."

While blowing through a team that had not lost a game this season with their full collection of starters playing is impressive, the way Baltimore did it Monday was probably the most surprising. 

The Ravens held a dominant offense in San Fran completely grounded. While the 49ers tallied 429 yards of total offense, they went 6-14 on third down and were picked off five times. Four of them coming off the arm of Purdy. 

Defensive coordinator Mike McDonald sent different looks that confused the 23-year-old. Baltimore's pass rush ended up recording four sacks, 11 passes defended, nine quarterback hits, five tackles for losses, and massive hits throughout the night. 

On the offensive side, Jackson's brilliance both inside and out of the pocket completely overwhelmed the fastest and most complete defense in football. Baltimore relied on their first-round rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers to set the standard in the passing game (nine catches, 73 yards, and a touchdown) that saw eight different receivers catch passes. 

Jackon finished the game completing 23 of 35 passes for close to 300 yards of total offense, two touchdowns, a passer rating of 109.4, and over seven yards per carry on the ground. 

Ravens Crush 49ers For Statement Win

All of this adds up to one of the more impressive showings from any team in the NFL this season. The Ravens were more physical against the toughest team in football and exploited matchups all night. 

"They've been making statements. They just showed they can play against anyone," Jackson said of the Ravens' defense. 

What does it mean for the playoffs? Well, if anything, it's clear that the Ravens are no longer just one of the best teams in the game.

They are a head above everyone around them. 

With a win next week against the Miami Dolphins, Baltimore would take the next step towards proving that by clinching the top seed in the AFC.