Opportunistic Ravens blitz 49ers with third-quarter push - ESPN

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The Baltimore Ravens intercepted San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy four times and used a 17-point third quarter blitz to pull away to a 33-19 victory Monday night at Levi's Stadium.

Baltimore moved to an NFL-best 12-3, using two quick third-quarter touchdowns to turn a 16-12 halftime lead into a decisive 30-12 advantage. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson made an MVP statement against the 49ers (11-4), throwing for 252 yards and two touchdown passes while adding 45 yards on the ground. Sam Darnold rallied the 49ers to a fourth-quarter touchdown after replacing an injured Purdy, but it was too little, too late.

The Ravens made it clear who the best team — and best player — in the NFL is right now.

In what was a battle between the top two teams, Jackson staked his claim to his second NFL MVP award by weaving around 49ers pass-rushers and throwing for 252 yards and two touchdown passes. He outshined Purdy, his 49ers counterpart who entered as the betting favorite for NFL MVP.

Baltimore, which has the NFL's best record, can clinch the AFC's No. 1 seed with a win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. With their fifth straight win, the Ravens have a 72% chance to win the AFC's top spot, according to ESPN Analytics.

The Ravens said last week that they felt "disrespected" by being underdogs for the second time this season, and they made a statement on both sides of the ball. Baltimore recorded five interceptions — its most in a single game since 2007 — and scored on seven straight drives, which was its longest streak since 2019.

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