Chargers hold on late to beat the Ravens 23-17

The Los Angeles Chargers defense forced 3 turnovers to lead their team to a 23-17 win over the Baltimore Ravens Sunday afternoon in the second AFC Wild Card game.

The Chargers defense stiffed Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore offense in the first half, holding them to zero points and forcing two turnovers to jump to a 12-0 lead. In the third quarter Melvin Gordon added a rushing touchdown to take a dominate 20-3 lead. Baltimore made a run in the fourth quarter to make it interesting but on their final drive the Charger defense forced a fumble that sealed the win.

In the loss, Lamar Jackson, the youngest quarterback ever to start a playoff game, struggled throwing 14/29 for 192 yards 2 TDs and 1 interception. It got so bad early in the third quarter the crowd was openly cheering for Joe Flacco to be put in the game in favor of Jackson.

Phillip Rivers didn’t have a great game, but he did just enough to lead his team to a win over a tough Raven defense, going 22/32 for 160 yards and no turnovers. Charger kicker Mike Badgley had a busy day going 5/6 on field goals including a 53 yard make.

With the win, the Chargers, will head to Foxborough to take on Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round next week.