Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker (9) kicks the game winning field goal during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers in Baltimore, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. The Ravens defeated the Chargers 29-26. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
The Baltimore Ravens earned just their second win of the season after edging out the San Diego Chargers, 29-26, on Nov. 1 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
The win snapped a three-game losing skid for the Ravens and improved their overall record to 2-6.
Baltimore was in desperate need of a win to keep alive any hope of turning their season around. The Ravens hadn’t won a game since beating the Pittsburgh Steelers in overtime in Week Four; that win on Oct. 1 also ended a three-game losing slump for Baltimore, who started the season 0-3.
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith (89) keeps San Diego Chargers cornerback Jason Verrett (22) back as he carries the ball during the first half of an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
The Ravens pulled off the win against San Diego despite having to finish the game without veteran receiver Steve Smith Sr. and starting center Jeremy Zuttah. Smith left the game in the third quarter when he fell to the ground, grabbed at his ankle and had to be carried off the field. After the game, head coach John Harbaugh announced that Smith tore his Achilles tendon and will miss the remainder of the season. Smith had repeatedly said he intended to retire after this season, but Harbaugh said after the game that he believes Smith will reconsider that decision.
“I have a feeling Steve Smith will be back,” Harbaugh told ESPN.
After Smith’s departure, Zuttah left the game on the very next play with a shoulder injury.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) holds up the football after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers in Baltimore, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Both injuries came not long after the Chargers took a 23-16 lead following a 70-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Phillip Rivers, his third touchdown pass of the game. Baltimore quickly cut the score to 23-19 with a field goal before the third quarter ended. The Ravens then took a 26-23 lead in the fourth quarter after a touchdown run by quarterback Joe Flacco.
The Chargers tied the score at 26-26 with a field goal late in the fourth quarter, but left two minutes on the game clock for Flacco and the Ravens’ offense to attempt to retake the lead. Flacco took full advantage, making several clutch passes to move Baltimore into field goal range for its reliable kicker, Justin Tucker, who nailed a 39-yard kick for the win.
Flacco finished with 25 of 37 pass attempts completed for 319 yards, including a three-yard touchdown pass to tight end Crockett Gilmore.
Smith Sr. still led the game with five catches for 82 yards, despite his season-ending injury. Ravens receiver Kamar Aiken stepped up in place of Smith and caught six passes for 62 yards. Ravens running back Justin Forsett ran for 69 yards on 17 carries.
Rivers completed 28 of 37 pass attempts for 301 yards and three touchdowns.
Next: Baltimore will rest during their bye week, before returning to action on Nov. 15 with a home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
