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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
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glenn erby

Ravens vs. Rams: Highlights, takeaways from 1st half as Baltimore faces a 20-17 deficit

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

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 10: Kyren Williams #23 of the Los Angeles Rams is tackled by Brent Urban #97 and Geno Stone #26 of the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

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

Dec 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) reaches under a jumping Los Angeles Rams safety Jordan Fuller (4) for a second quarte at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

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.

Beckham Jr. has 2 catches for 66 yards and the score.

Jackson and Bateman miss again

Dec 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) warms up before a game against the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports

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.

Justin Madubuike pricing himself out

Dec 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92) sakes Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The dominant defensive tackle logged his 11th sack of the season early in the first quarter.

Madubuike has 8 tackles, 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss, and 2 QB hits in the first half.

Ravens rotation at Left Tackle

(Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)

Isaiah Likely Strikes it Big

Dec 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (80) scores a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports

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.

Likely has 4 catches for 72 yards, and 1 score in the first half.

Lamar Jackson first half

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 10: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens looks to pass during the first half in the game against the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)

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

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 10: Keaton Mitchell #34 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball during the first quarter in the game against the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)

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

Dec 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) catches a pass for a second quarter touchdown as Baltimore Ravens safety Marcus Williams (32) defends at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

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

Dec 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws dream the pocket during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

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

(Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)

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.

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