Two of the NFL's premier quarterbacks go head-to-head on Sunday Night Football in Week 4, and as the season moves forward, this AFC clash could wind up having some impacts on the playoff race. The Buffalo Bills enter Week 4 fresh off a 47-10 shellacking of the Jacksonville Jaguars, while the Baltimore Ravens rushed for closed to 300 yards and held on to beat the Dallas Cowboys last week.
Josh Allen's name has popped up early as a leading candidate for NFL MVP, and for good reason. Allen has thrown seven touchdown passes — including four against the Jaguars — and has yet to throw an interception. He's completed 75% of his passes on the year and he's added another two scores on the ground.
On the other side of the field is 2023 MVP Lamar Jackson, who led the 1-2 Ravens to their first win last week. He and Derrick Henry lead a rushing attack that steamrolled Dallas for 274 yards in a 28-25 win that wasn't close for most of the game. Still in MVP form, Jackson is 10th in the league in passing yards and eighth in the league in rushing yards.
The Ravens started their Week 4 matchup with a bang. Derrick Henry broke off an 87-yard touchdown run on the first play from scrimmage. This play was the longest rush in Ravens' franchise history, and set the tone for a dominant performance from the Ravens' running game.
Baltimore's Run Game Unstoppable
The Ravens continued to steamroll the Bills' defense in the first half. Lamar Jackson completed 8 of his 10 passes for 95 yards and two touchdowns, one of which was a 19-yard touchdown pass to Justice Hill, who was wide open on a wheel route.
Henry finished the first half with two touchdowns. He had his first touchdown catch since 2019 on a short 5-yard pass, and then he added a 4-yard rushing touchdown to push the Ravens' lead to 21-3.
The Ravens' run game was almost unstoppable in the first half, as they had already rushed for 121 yards by halftime. Derrick Henry was the primary reason for this success, with 101 rushing yards on five carries.
Buffalo's Offense Struggles to Keep Up
The Bills were unable to keep up with the Ravens' offensive explosion, as they struggled to move the ball on their first few drives. The Bills had three accepted penalties in the first quarter, which contributed to their offensive struggles.
The Bills did get on the board with a 50-yard field goal by Tyler Bass, but they were unable to get into the endzone, as their drives would stall out in the middle of the field.
The Second Half
The Ravens continued their offensive dominance in the second half. Jackson was able to add another touchdown pass, this time to Mark Andrews, as they continued to control the game. The Ravens were able to hold the Bills' offense scoreless in the second half, and the game eventually went into a running clock situation.
The Ravens' victory was a testament to their commitment to the running game. Henry was the key to their offensive success, and he proved to be a major force on the field. The Bills' defense was unable to contain the Ravens' run game, and they were ultimately overwhelmed.
What's Next for the Bills and Ravens?
The Bills will look to regroup and bounce back from their loss, while the Ravens will hope to continue their momentum.
This game was a major statement from the Ravens, as they showcased their offensive prowess and their ability to dominate a game. The Bills will have to address their defensive issues, as they will need to find a way to stop strong running games in the future.
This AFC matchup was a battle of offensive firepower, and the Ravens were ultimately the more dominant team.
The Takeaways
The Ravens' victory was a major statement from the team. They are a legitimate contender in the AFC, and they will be a force to be reckoned with throughout the season. The Bills will need to make some adjustments if they want to contend for a Super Bowl this year.
The Ravens have shown that they can win in a variety of ways. They have a strong running game and a talented quarterback in Lamar Jackson, which makes them a dangerous team. The Bills will need to find a way to stop the run and create pressure on Jackson if they want to have success against the Ravens in the future.
This game was a microcosm of the AFC. The Ravens are one of the best teams in the conference, and the Bills are still trying to find their footing. It was a great game to watch, and it should be interesting to see how both teams progress throughout the season.
