Nov, 24 2025
The Baltimore Ravens didn’t just win on Sunday — they reasserted themselves as a force in the AFC. A 23-10 thrashing of the New York Jets at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Week 12 of the NFL 2025 SeasonBaltimore, Maryland wasn’t just another victory. It was the team’s first home game in nearly five weeks — and their first win over the Jets at home since 2003. More importantly, it pushed them above .500 for the first time this season, turning what looked like a rebuilding year into something far more dangerous.
Defense Steals the Show — Again
The Ravens’ offense was efficient, sure. But the real story? The defense. After the Jets opened with a 19-yard touchdown pass from Tyrod Taylor to John Metchie, the floodgates slammed shut. New York went 0-for-5 on third down. They had three drives inside the Ravens’ 30-yard line. Zero points.
It all unraveled when Breece Hall fumbled at the 3-yard line. The ball popped loose, bounced off a helmet, and landed in the arms of Marlon Humphrey. The crowd roared. The Jets’ momentum? Gone. That turnover didn’t just kill a drive — it shifted the entire tone of the game. "It was the kind of play you dream about," said Kyle Hamilton afterward. "You see the ball loose, you just go for it. No thinking. Just reacting."
Lamar Jackson and the Quiet Dominance
Don’t let the stats fool you. Lamar Jackson didn’t throw for 300 yards or four touchdowns. He threw for 178, completed 68% of his passes, and made just enough big plays to keep the Jets guessing. His 12-yard scramble on third-and-8 in the third quarter? That was the play that turned a stalled drive into a 7-point lead. And when he found Mark Andrews on a critical third down late in the fourth — even though the pass was incomplete — the pressure he created forced a holding penalty that kept the clock rolling.
But the real offensive engine? Derrick Henry. The 300-pound force of nature ran for 98 yards and one touchdown — a 3-yard plunge that put the Ravens up 20-10 with 7:12 left. "He’s not just a runner," said head coach John Harbaugh. "He’s a statement. Every time he touches the ball, the other team knows what’s coming. And still, they can’t stop it."
Special Teams and the Ghost of 2003
There’s a reason this win felt different to longtime fans. Before Sunday, the Ravens hadn’t beaten the Jets at home in 22 years. The last time? October 2003. A different era. A different roster. A different kind of pressure.
This time, the difference was in the details. Jordan Stout boomed a 52-yard punt that bounced at the 5-yard line and rolled dead at the 1 — a masterclass in hang time and directional kicking. The Jets’ return team, already shorthanded, couldn’t even get to the ball before it died. "That was the play that broke their spirit," said NFL Network analyst Charles Davis during halftime. "They were trying to gain field position. Instead, they got buried."
The Other Side: Jets’ Offense Crumbles
Tyrod Taylor played with grit. He completed 21 of 31 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns. But every time the Jets got close, something went wrong. A false start. A dropped pass. A missed block. And then, the turnover.
"We had chances," said Aaron Glenn, the Jets’ head coach, after the game. "We had the ball. We had momentum. But we didn’t execute when it mattered. That’s on me."
Even their best player, John Metchie, couldn’t carry them. He had five catches for 72 yards and two scores — both in the first quarter. After that? Silence. The Ravens’ secondary, led by T.J. Tampa (who intercepted a pass intended for Mitchell in the third quarter), locked him down completely.
What’s Next? The Bengals Loom
The Ravens now sit at 6-5 — tied for second in the AFC North. Their next game? A primetime showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals on NBC/Peacock at 8:20 p.m. ET. Cincinnati, fresh off a win over the Browns, is 7-4 and hungry for playoff positioning. The Ravens? They’re playing with house money now.
"We’re not done," said Lamar Jackson in the locker room. "We’ve got a lot of football left. And we’re just getting started."
For the Jets? The season is slipping away. They’re 2-9. Their offense looks disjointed. Their defense can’t stop the run. And with no clear quarterback plan beyond Taylor, the future looks bleak.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Ravens’ defense manage to shut down the Jets’ offense after their early touchdown?
The Ravens switched to aggressive zone-blitz schemes after the Jets’ first score, forcing Tyrod Taylor into quick decisions. They also tightened coverage on John Metchie, limiting him to just three catches after halftime. Breece Hall’s red-zone fumble was the turning point — the Jets never recovered field position or momentum after that. Baltimore’s defense held New York to 127 total yards after the first quarter.
Why is this win significant for the Ravens’ season?
Before this game, Baltimore was 5-5 and had played just one home game since October 27 — a stretch that felt like a season in exile. Winning at M&T Bank Stadium against a division rival, especially after a 22-year drought against the Jets, restored belief. More importantly, it’s their fifth straight win — their longest streak since 2020 — and now they’re above .500 for the first time this year, keeping them in the playoff hunt.
What role did special teams play in the outcome?
Jordan Stout’s punting was a game-changer. His 52-yard kick in the third quarter rolled dead at the 1-yard line, pinning the Jets deep. The Jets’ return unit had no answer, and that forced them into long-yardage situations. Stout’s consistency — four punts inside the 20, two downed inside the 5 — gave the Ravens’ defense short fields and kept New York’s offense off rhythm.
How does this win impact Lamar Jackson’s MVP case?
Jackson’s stats weren’t flashy — 178 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT — but his poise under pressure was. He converted three critical third downs with his legs, avoided sacks when the Jets blitzed, and managed the clock expertly in the fourth quarter. In a season where QBs are putting up 4,000-yard numbers, Jackson’s efficiency and leadership — especially with Derrick Henry carrying the load — make him a dark horse candidate. His QBR of 89.2 this week was the highest in the AFC.
What’s the historical context behind the Ravens’ win over the Jets?
This was Baltimore’s first home victory against the Jets since October 2003 — a span of 22 years and 11 games. The Ravens lost the last six matchups at M&T Bank Stadium, including a 27-24 overtime loss in 2021. This win not only breaks that streak but also signals a shift in dominance within the AFC North. For fans, it’s more than a game — it’s a psychological barrier lifted.
What’s next for the Jets after this loss?
The Jets are now 2-9 and face a brutal stretch: home to the Chiefs, then road games against the Bills and Patriots. Their offensive line is decimated by injuries, and Tyrod Taylor’s future as starter is in serious doubt. With no clear quarterback plan beyond 2025, the organization may pivot toward a rebuild — possibly targeting a top draft pick or trading for a veteran. This loss wasn’t just another defeat; it was a sign the team is running out of time.
