For a moment, it appeared as if the Ravens’ streak of 100-yard rushing games would come to an end against the Denver Broncos’ strong defense.
But during the final seconds of a 23-7 victory Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High, quarterback Lamar Jackson elected to run for 5 yards instead of taking a knee to run out the clock, giving the team 102 rushing yards.
That extended Baltimore’s streak of consecutive 100-yard rushing games to 43, tying the 1974-1977 Pittsburgh Steelers for the NFL record.
“That’s one of those things that’s meaningful,” coach John Harbaugh said after the game. “It’s a very, very tough record to accomplish.”
The Ravens needed an interception from cornerback Anthony Averett in the back of the end zone to get the ball back with three seconds left. Averett jumped in front of a pass from backup quarterback Drew Lock intended for Pro Bowl receiver Courtland Sutton, giving the Ravens the ball at their own 20-yard line. Then Jackson lined up in the shotgun, took the snap and rushed behind a pair of pulling offensive linemen to pick up the necessary 5 yards.
“I remember I was a Browns fan, and we never beat them,” Harbaugh said earlier in the week when asked about the record. “I remember that. It probably had to do with rushing for all those yards. I was a kid. So, I remember Franco Harris and [former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach] Chuck Noll. I really do admire Chuck Noll. I really have a lot of respect for him. I read a lot of the things that he said. So, sure, that’s something that counts for something. It’s kind of not really in the forefront of our thinking right now at all, but it’s something, for sure.”
The Ravens’ running game was quiet for most of the afternoon, even with three-time All-Pro Le’Veon Bell promoted to the active roster. In the first half, the Ravens were only able to muster 47 rushing yards. Running back Latavius Murray led the way for the Ravens on the ground with 59 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. Jackson added 28 yards on seven carries.
