Ravens Outlast Rams in Back-and-Forth Thriller

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Baltimore Ravens kicked off their season with a hard-fought 38-34 victory over the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. This was the Ravens’ first game with quarterback Lamar Jackson back under center after his injury last season, and the star QB didn’t disappoint. On the other side, the Rams, looking to improve on their 9-8 playoff season from last year, gave Baltimore all they could handle in a high-octane battle.

Game Recap

The Ravens struck first when wide receiver Danny Gray broke free for a 21-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter. “That play was all about execution,” Gray said. “The line gave me space, and I took it.” The Rams answered with a 42-yard field goal from kicker Joshua Karty.

The second quarter was an offensive explosion. Jackson showcased his deep-ball accuracy, hitting wide receiver Devontez Walker for touchdown passes of 70 and 37 yards. “Devontez is special,” Jackson said. “He gets open, and it’s my job to deliver.” However, the Rams fought back with quarterback Matthew Stafford connecting with Puca Nacua for a 54-yard score and a 14-yard rushing touchdown by running back Kyren Williams.

The third quarter saw Stafford find Davante Adams for a short touchdown to give the Rams the lead, but the Ravens kept it close with a field goal from Justin Tucker.

In the fourth quarter, Jackson and Gray connected for a 26-yard touchdown to regain the lead. Stafford responded with a 14-yard strike to Jordan Whittington, but the Ravens sealed the victory with a bruising 9-yard touchdown run by Derrick Henry. “That’s what I do—close games,” Henry said with a grin.

Key Stats

For Baltimore, quarterback Lamar Jackson had a stellar performance, completing 21 of 31 passes for 359 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for 17 yards. Devontez Walker was electric, catching seven passes for 180 yards and two scores. Danny Gray contributed with 118 receiving yards, two touchdowns, and a rushing score, while Derrick Henry added 74 rushing yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.

The Rams’ Matthew Stafford threw for 400 yards and three touchdowns, completing 24 of 34 attempts. Puca Nacua led all Rams receivers with 120 yards and a touchdown on five catches, while Davante Adams added 81 yards and a score on seven receptions.

Defensively, the Ravens recorded three sacks, with two from linebacker Odafe Oweh, while the Rams’ Justin Houston IV added a sack of his own.

Injuries

Ravens linebacker Adisa Isaac left the game with an undisclosed injury. The Rams reported no injuries.

Up Next

The Ravens (1-0) will head home to host their AFC North rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers, in what promises to be a physical matchup. The Rams (0-1) will stay at home to welcome the Jacksonville Jaguars in their Week 2 home opener.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh summed up the win: “This team has fight, and tonight we showed it. We’re just getting started.” Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford added, “We had our chances, but credit to Baltimore—they made the plays when it mattered.”