WATCH: Ravens Get Interception; 49ers Score Safety

The Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers are locked into a defensive battle in the first quarter.

The Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers came into their Christmas Day game as two of the top defenses in the entire NFL, so it was no surprise when the defenses were on display early. 

After holding the Ravens to a three-and-out on the opening drive, the 49ers were driving down the field and looking to score. Tight end George Kittle accounted for 71 yards on the drive, helping the team get down to Baltimore's 15-yard line. 

It was then that quarterback Brock Purdy tried to make a throw into the end zone to Deebo Samuel, but Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton made a play on the ball and jumped the route for an interception. 

INTERCEPTION @kyledhamilton_!!!!!!#ProBowlVote | Tune in on ABC/ESPN!!!! pic.twitter.com/XB8pMN8HAQ

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 26, 2023

It was the first time in Purdy's young professional career that he has thrown an interception on his team's opening drive of the game. However, it turned out to not benefit Baltimore much as on the ensuing drive, a costly mistake and odd play allowed San Francisco to get points on the board. 

For Hamilton, it was the third interception he's collected this season. He has been having a breakout year for the league's top scoring defense, securing the middle of the field and playing his way into Pro Bowl conversations. 

On 1st-and-10 from his own 20-yard line, Lamar Jackson dropped back and attempted to escape pressure from the defensive line. He ran backwards into his own end zone where he tripped over a referee that had fallen and barely threw the ball away. It was called intentional grounding and because it occurred in the end zone, it resulted in a safety and a 2-0 lead for the 49ers. 

Defense scores first! 🙏#ProBowlVote Chase Young#BALvsSF on ESPN pic.twitter.com/NkS3a2UR5a

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 26, 2023

Baltimore was forced to punt the ball to San Francisco after the safety, and the home team was able to drive down the field and put few more points on the board before the end of the first quarter. A 45-yard field goal from Jake Moody gave the 49ers a 5-0 lead with just under six minutes remaining in the first quarter. 

Heading Into Matchup With 49ers, Ravens' Path To AFC's No. 1 Seed Is Clear

The winner of the game will take full control of the best record in football as both the Ravens and San Francisco sit at 11-3 on the season.