Defensive standouts from Ravens lopsided win over Giants

by Joshua Reed · December 29, 2020

The Baltimore Ravens extended their current winning streak to four in a row by dominating the New York Giants on both sides of the ball in a 27-13 victory in their last games at M&T Bank Stadium this season. They owned the line of scrimmage and dominated at the point of attack on both offense and defense.

Here are some of the defensive standouts from their impressive Week 16 victory:

CB Marlon Humphrey

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 27: Cornerback Marlon Humphrey #44 of the Baltimore Ravens breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Austin Mack #81 of the New York Giants during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 27, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Even though he didn’t add to his record-setting forced fumble total this week, the $98-million-dollar man showed why he is worth every penny yet again with another All-Pro outing in coverage and as a tackler.

Humphrey led the team in both total and solo tackles and had the most pass deflections as well with three, including an athletic swat in the end zone where he was initially flagged for defensive pass interference but the officials waved the flag after a brief consultation with the line and back judge.

ILB Patrick Queen

Sunday was a milestone day for the rookie class and second-round running back J.K. Dobbins wasn’t the only first-year player to make team history. While first-round inside linebacker Patrick Queen didn’t break any records, he became just the third rookie in franchise history to register 100 or more tackles with four against the Giants.

Even though he didn’t register a sack, Queen was extremely active as a blitzer and got four pressures on New York quarterback Daniel Jones including a pair of hits.

ILB Chris Board

While Queen wasn’t able to get home on his blitzes to record one of the Ravens’ six sacks, Board led the team with two on back-to-back drives in the fourth quarter.

The Ravens typically bring Board on the field in obvious passing situations because of what he can do is coverage, but it was his ability to contribute to the pass rush that landed him on this list.

The former undrafted gem and special teams ace finished with four total tackles including three solos and two for loss despite playing just 23 snaps on defense.

OLB Matthew Judon

The Ravens franchised outside linebacker continues to be a menace off the edge for opposing teams as an all-around player at the position. He recorded a sack for the second game in a row and for the fourth time in his last five games.

Judon made three solo tackles including two for a loss and added a quarterback hit as well. His most impressive play wasn’t his sack of Jones, it was actually a tackle he made behind the line of scrimmage.

The Giants dialed up a wide receiver screen on their second drive of the third quarter that likely would’ve picked up a first down and then some if it wasn’t for the highly instinctual and intelligent play by the two-time Pro Bowler.

Judon not only properly read and diagnosed the play but he stopped New York’s Sterling Shepard five yards behind the line of scrimmage.

Honorable mentions:

CB Anthony Averett

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 27: Running back Wayne Gallman Jr. #22 of the New York Giants is tackled by cornerback Anthony Averett #23 of the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 27, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

In his second straight start and third of the season, the third-year pro played well for the most part outside of giving up a late touchdown in garbage time. He finished second on the team in total tackles and pass deflections with five and two respectively.

OLB Pernell McPhee

The veteran outside linebacker has been great at setting the edge against the run all season and did so against the Giants but he also recorded his third sack of the year and first since Week Six. McPhee finished with a solo tackle for loss and a quarterback hit as well.

DT Justin Madubuike

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 27: Quarterback Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants is sacked by defensive tackle Justin Madubuike #92 of the Baltimore Ravens during the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 27, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

The third-round rookie defensive tackle has been coming in strong down the stretch for the Ravens and had his hard work pay off in a big way against the Giants when he recorded his first career sack.

The seven-yard loss on the play marked the second straight negative event forced by the defense on a drive that eventually ended in a field goal. He added a solo tackle for loss and a quarterback hit to his final stat total.

DE/OLB Jihad Ward

Baltimore Ravens defensive end Jihad Ward (53) sacks New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

The five-year veteran sparked the second-half surge of the Ravens’ pass rush by recording the first on the Giants’ first offensive play in the third quarter.

Ward came untouched up the middle on the play and engulfed Jones for his third sack of the year and an eight-yard loss. He finished with a solo tackle for loss and a pair of quarterback hits.

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