Game recap: The Ravens (5-6) dominated the second half and began their three-game homestand with an important victory. Justin Tucker kicked four field goals, and the Ravens’ defense didn’t allow a touchdown for third time this season. Conditions were challenging on a chilly day, with wind gusts of 25-30 miles per hour. But Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (17 of 26, 273 yards, one touchdown, one interception) was solid, and played better as the game progressed.
Despite the wind, Flacco made two excellent deep throws to Torrey Smith and Jacoby Jones, as the big play returned to the Ravens’ offense. Jets rookie quarterback Geno Smith (9 of 22, 127 yards, two interceptions) struggled again, and the Ravens pass rush turned up the pressure on Smith once the Jets fell behind. The Ravens thoroughly outplayed the Jets (5-6), setting up a crucial Thanksgiving night game this week when the Ravens host the Steelers (5-6).
Turning point – Jacoby Jones’ 61-yard touchdown catch.
Late in the third quarter, Jones streaked past Jets cornerback Dee Milliner and Jets safety Ed Reed, and Joe Flacco threw a perfect pass that Jones ran underneath for the score. That gave the Ravens a 19-3 lead, and against the Jets, that proved to be much more than enough.
It was a symbolic touchdown, because Reed spent 11 great seasons in Baltimore, but he is no longer the player he once was. Reed lost track of the ball in the air, and by the time he recovered, he could not stop Jones from making the play. Reed was back in Baltimore for perhaps the final time as a player, but instead of making a big play, he was victimized.
