Eagles at Ravens: Highlights, score and recap

Highlights and key players from the Baltimore Ravens’ 27-26 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15.

Carson Wentz saw a two-point pass knocked away to help the Baltimore Ravens survive to beat the Philadelphia Eagles 27-26 at M&T Bank Stadium in Week 15.

Eagles rookie passer Wentz thought he’d brought his team all the way back from a 10-point fourth quarter deficit after Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco threw a costly interception to Jordan Hicks in the red zone.

However, Philly head coach Doug Pederson opted against kicking the extra point and instead went for two. Wentz couldn’t get the ball to Jordan Matthews with four seconds left to win the game.

The Ravens are now 8-6, but stay a game behind the Pittsburgh Steelers at the top of the AFC North, after the Steelers came back to win on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals.

As usual, it was the Baltimore defense setting the tone this week. Inside linebacker Zach Orr snagged this interception of Wentz, relayed by the NFL’s official Twitter account:

Orr’s pick was the precursor to Flacco’s first scoring pass of the day, a five-yard connection with Kamar Aiken:

The Eagles answered with 10 points thanks to a Caleb Sturgis field goal and a four-yard run by Ryan Mathews. Philadelphia’s running back then lugged the rock again to convert the two-pointer.

In between, Justin Tucker booted a three-pointer. He and Sturgis then traded field goals.

It was left to Ravens veteran Steve Smith to break the 13-13 deadlock. The 37-year-old wide receiver took a Flacco throw 34 yards for six before halftime:

Another kick from Sturgis gave the Eagles hope after a scoreless third quarter. But the Ravens thought they’d salted things away when rookie running back Kenneth Dixon ploughed over from 16 yards out.

Dixon’s big scoring run was the signature play from a surprisingly productive ground game. He and Terrance West combined for 113 yards on 22 carries, affording Flacco rare balance.

But the quarterback nearly wasted it when he failed to spot Hicks dropping into coverage. Another Sturgis field goal and a Wentz scoring run almost gave the Eagles a shock win.

Three Stars

1. Steve Smith

He only grabbed two passes for 40 yards, but Smith merits mention on this list for what his touchdown meant. The 34-yard score not only gave the Ravens breathing room at the break. It also moved one of the NFL‘s best ever further up the all-time receiving charts, per NFL on ESPN:

Even at 37, Smith proved he’s still the man for the big occasion.

2. Terrance West

West was more productive than usual as a runner, logging 77 yards on 13 attempts. But he didn’t just prove his worth on the ground.

West also chipped in with 45 yards off four receptions. He gave Flacco an underneath safety valve to encourage quick throws to beat a fierce Philly pass rush.

The Ravens have been waiting for their rushing attack to click all season. The committee approach with West and Dixon sharing the load hasn’t always worked, but it delivered today when Baltimore needed it most.

3. Zach Orr

Orr was a turnover machine this week. Not only did he snatch a crucial interception early on. He also recovered a fumble after rush end Elvis Dumervil sacked Wentz.

Orr has been one of the unsung heroes of a stingy defense. Slowly but surely, No. 54 is starting to get noticed.

He has a natural nose for the ball and is fast becoming the central figure in an aggressive and creative, linebacker-led scheme.

Next: NFL playoffs 2016: Top 10 potential matchups

Wallace was a little off his game against the Pats, but if Flacco’s given time in the pocket, he can take the top off this defense.

Next Week

The Ravens will play the Steelers at Heinz Field for all the division marbles on Christmas Day. Meanwhile, the Eagles will begin Week 16 by hosting bitter NFC East rivals the New York Giants on Thursday Night Football.