Like the Jeffersons on Ice, THE WIRE (HBO) is a good road show. The Ravens, like “Omar comin!” stalked Levi Stadium looking for the rich kids with big heads in the V.I.P. section. The boys that like to floss and get that money.
The San Francisco 49ers entered Monday’s match-up looking like the pretty boys in the club. They gave polite kudos all week long and acknowledged the strength of the Ravens as quality opponents.
However, they also revealed in their past beat downs of the Eagles, Jaguars, and Cowboys as vindication that they are the baddest on the block. Just as samples of Chris Tucker’s Daaaaammmmmn! (Deebo comin’) rain throughout the Levi Stadium, they embraced bullies of not only the NFC but the NFL as a whole.
Deebo Meets Omar in a back Alley.
This, from what sounds like a title from the Late Late Show, was the dream showdown match up the NFL has dreamed of for years.
Primetime match up with King vs King. Bully vs Bully. Two franchises that have matched each other in terms of physicality for years. The snag however came in a line out of Vegas that had the Ravens as unders to the tune of -5. This would impact the game more than most could predict.
What we saw was the Bully got bullied. We saw the Ravens take several punches early, shake off the rust, and steady themselves enough to jump out to a baseball score-like 10-5 lead. What was most promising was the poise that Lamar Jackson showed in crucial drives, that quieted the crowd, and put the defense back on the field to feast on a declining Brock Purdy.
Several moments in the game when Lamar had a chance for a decent ground gain, he calmly delivered a ball to keep the ball moving and further extend the 49er defense’s time on the field.
Like Omar, Lamar quietly stalked the 49er defense looking for his spots. In one particular play, Lamar drew in linebacker Fred Warner only to place the ball from his vacated zone. A perfect slant throw to move the sticks.
This is the poise that Ravens brass have prayed for in Lamar. A progression from a running Quarterback to a Quarterback who runs to pass. Lamar is finding another gear where he uses his legs, or the threat of his legs like a pump fake. He is finding balance between his legs and arm similar to Michael Jordan who began using his air time, not to dunk, but hover as he used his jumper.
Going deeper, however, his legs are not an aging toothless tiger, no longer a threat to the Savannah. Late in the 2nd quarter, Lamar faced a 3rd and 16.
Just when it looked safe to contain Lamar to a minimal gain, Lamar motors past the 49er defense to pick up the 1st down just before the half. This is the balance that kills defenses.
Steve Young has alluded to this element of Lamar’s progression for the past few years, expounding again on that recently this week:
The 49ers showed championship mettle in attempting to come back from a 21-point deficit. However, this was the type of win the Ravens needed to show the NFL the face of a bully. Quiet, intense, and hungry. They refused to accept the victim role in this mini-drama on Monday Night.
That my friends is The Wire LIVE on The Road.
Video courtesy of The Vault Podcast @ravensvaultpodcast
Image and tweet courtesy of Jamison Hensley @jamisonhensley
-David J. Mitchell
Title image courtesy of @paulfrewDUP
***Have you tried Dubby?? Are you looking for a Pre-Workout??
Use our promo code : WeLikeSportz for 10% off!****
WE LIKE SPORTZ SHOW 
Leave a comment