When the schedule dropped, everyone circled it. Ravens vs Eagles 2024. It felt like a Super Bowl preview. You had Lamar Jackson, the human highlight reel, going up against Jalen Hurts and a Philadelphia squad that just doesn't seem to know how to lose lately.
By the time December 1st rolled around, M&T Bank Stadium was vibrating. 71,344 people showed up in Baltimore. Honestly, the atmosphere was more like a January playoff game than a regular-season matchup.
The First Half: Baltimore's Fast Start and the Tucker Mystery
The Ravens started like they were going to blow the doors off the place.
Lamar Jackson was dealing early. He found Zay Flowers for 40 yards on the opening drive, setting a tone that felt aggressive. Justin Tucker, the GOAT, knocked through a 34-yard field goal to make it 3-0. Then things got real. Jackson threaded a needle to Mark Andrews for a 14-yard touchdown.
9-0 Ravens.
But then we saw the first crack in the armor. Tucker missed the extra point. People in the stands looked at each other like, "Wait, did that actually just happen?" It was a sign of a very weird day for the most accurate kicker in NFL history.
Philly's Response
Philadelphia didn't panic. They’re too veteran for that. Nick Sirianni’s group leaned into their physicality. Jalen Hurts, who started 1-of-5, suddenly found his rhythm. He hit Dallas Goedert for a 17-yard touchdown to cut the lead to 9-7.
Then came the "Brotherly Shove."
Before the half, Hurts punched in a 1-yard run. The Eagles took a 14-9 lead. Tucker managed to salvage some momentum with a 50-yarder right before the whistle, making it 14-12 at the break, but the vibe in Baltimore had shifted.
Ravens vs Eagles 2024: The Defensive Masterclass
You’ve got to talk about the Eagles' defense. Most teams try to spy Lamar Jackson. Philly basically said, "Nah, we’re just going to beat your offensive line." Jalen Carter was a nightmare. He was double-teamed on 58.1% of snaps and still chased Lamar down for a 12-yard sack.
It was relentless.
The Ravens had the #1 offense in the league coming in, but they looked stuck in mud for most of the second half. Derrick Henry, the "King," was held to 82 yards. While 82 yards isn't "bad," the Eagles made him work for every single inch.
"The front just kept at it, that's it," Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean said afterward. "We didn't keep a spy on him, we didn't do anything extra."
The Justin Tucker Heartbreak
This is the part of Ravens vs Eagles 2024 that Ravens fans will be talking about for years, and not in a good way.
In the third quarter, Baltimore had the ball forever. They were moving it. But they couldn't finish. Tucker missed a 47-yarder. Then he missed a 53-yarder. For a guy who usually makes those in his sleep, it was painful to watch. He finished the day with three misses—the first time that’s ever happened in his legendary career.
If he makes those, Baltimore wins. Simple as that.
Saquon Barkley Slams the Door
While the Ravens were sputtering, Saquon Barkley was waiting.
Barkley is a closer. In the fourth quarter, he took a handoff and burst through the line for a 25-yard touchdown. That made it 21-12. The Philly fans who traveled down I-95 started the "MVP" chants right there in Baltimore's house.
Barkley finished with 107 yards on 23 carries. He's arguably the biggest reason the Eagles are 10-2 right now.
The Final Score
Baltimore tried to make it interesting. Lamar hit Isaiah Likely for an 11-yard touchdown with only three seconds left on the clock.
Final score: Eagles 24, Ravens 19.
Lamar Jackson dropped to 23-2 against the NFC as a starter. It’s a wild stat, but this Eagles team was just too disciplined. They won the turnover battle (zero giveaways) and played smarter football when the pressure was highest.
Why This Game Changed the MVP Race
Before this game, Lamar was the frontrunner. Afterward? The conversation shifted toward Barkley and Hurts.
The Eagles proved they could travel into a hostile environment and shut down a powerhouse. Their defense, led by Zack Baun and Jalen Carter, showed the rest of the league that the "No. 1 offense" tag doesn't mean much if you can't protect the quarterback. Jackson was sacked three times and pressured constantly.
Key Stats at a Glance
- Lamar Jackson: 23/36, 237 yards, 2 TDs, 79 rushing yards.
- Jalen Hurts: 11/19, 118 yards, 1 TD passing, 1 TD rushing.
- Saquon Barkley: 23 carries, 107 yards, 1 TD.
- Total Yards: Ravens 372, Eagles 252.
Wait—look at those total yards. Baltimore outgained Philly by 120 yards and still lost. That tells you everything about the missed kicks and the red-zone efficiency. Philly went 2-for-3 in the red zone; Baltimore went 1-for-4 before that meaningless last-second score.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
If you're a Ravens fan, you aren't hitting the panic button yet, but you're definitely looking at the kicker with a raised eyebrow. The team heads into a late bye week before a brutal stretch of three games in ten days.
For the Eagles, they've won eight in a row. They look like the most complete team in football.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the Kicking Game: If you're betting or playing fantasy, keep an eye on Justin Tucker’s confidence. He’s human after all.
- Defense Wins Championships: The Eagles' defensive front is the real deal. If they stay healthy, they are the favorites to represent the NFC.
- Red Zone Focus: Baltimore needs to figure out why they can't finish drives. Moving the ball is great, but 19 points won't cut it against elite competition.
The 2024 season is far from over, but this game felt like a turning point for both franchises. One is soaring; the other is searching for answers.