The Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers clashed in the Levi's Stadium in a much-anticipated Week 16 match on Christmas Day, which carried significant weight in the NFL Most Valuable Player conversation.
Leading up to the match, the star quarterbacks of both teams, Brock Purdy for the 49ers and Lamar Jackson for the Ravens, were in a close competition for the MVP title, with the former having a slight edge in the odds.
The visitors would dominate the stage, claiming a lopsided 33-19 victory and solidifying Jackson's case for the league's top individual honor. The winner of the 2019 NFL MVP is now the favorite to claim the award again this year.
With the massive win by the Ravens in one of the season's most anticipated matchups, did Lamar Jackson secure his second NFL MVP award?
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How did Brock Purdy perform?
Purdy completed 18 out of 32 attempts for 255 yards before exiting the game in the fourth quarter due to a stinger, at which point backup Sam Darnold took over as the quarterback for the 49ers.
The 24-year-old experienced one of the worst performances of his young career, marking the first instance since Colin Kaepernick in 2015 that a 49ers quarterback had thrown four interceptions in a game.
Additionally, he barely avoided a few more interceptions and struggled to produce the significant plays that had previously positioned him as the previous MVP favorite and the league's most efficient quarterback.
How did Lamar Jackson perform?
Jackson delivered a polished and effective performance, connecting on 23 of 35 passes for 252 yards and registering two touchdowns. Additionally, he led the team in rushing with 46 yards on the ground.
In the crucial third quarter, the 26-year-old signal-caller exhibited an impeccable display, completing all six passes for 121 yards and tossing two touchdowns. This outstanding performance propelled the Ravens to score 17 points in the first three drives of the second half.
The game, once closely contested, turned into a blowout after this remarkable sequence of events.
Did Lamar Jackson secure the 2023 NFL MVP?
The victory propelled the Ravens to claim the best record in the entire NFL, boasting a 12-3 win-loss record.
Additionally, they stand as the hottest team in the league, securing five consecutive wins, with their most recent loss occurring over a month ago, which was a narrow two-point defeat against the Cleveland Browns on November 12. Before that loss, they were on a four-game winning streak.
Once again, Jackson showcased his prowess on the grand stage, a feat that's hardly surprising given his track record of exceptional performances in pivotal games.
The standout from the University of Louisville currently leads the race for the award. However, he has two remaining games, one against the Miami Dolphins, a top-tier team in the league leading the AFC East with an 11-4 record spearheaded by Tua Tagovailoa.
A victory for the Ravens on New Year's Eve could secure the award for him.
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