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5 Takeaways From Baltimore Ravens’ Week 13 Loss

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5 Takeaways From Baltimore Ravens' Week 13 Loss

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The San Diego Chargers pulled off a last-minute win in Baltimore in Week 13 to keep pace in the playoff race. While it wasn't a bad showing from the Baltimore Ravens, it was a game they probably should have won at home. Defensive penalties cost the Ravens in the end, but there were a lot of positives on the offensive side of the ball. Here are five takeaways from the Ravens' Week 13 loss.

5. Jacoby Jones Is Still A Game Changer On Special Teams

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5. Jacoby Jones Is Still A Game Changer On Special Teams

Jacoby Jones Baltimore Ravens
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The Chargers avoided Ravens return man Jacoby Jones from the opening kickoff, squibbing and sending short, high kicks all game to avoid the big return. As a result, the Ravens had great field position all game — perhaps the biggest reason for their offensive success. However, it didn’t seem to be a bad strategy as Jones burned the Chargers for a 72-yard return with three minutes remaining in the game when they finally kicked to him.

4. Ravens Want To Get Torrey Smith Involved Early

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4. Ravens Want To Get Torrey Smith Involved Early

Torrey Smith Baltimore Ravens Touchdown Spike
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The Ravens made it a point to get Torrey Smith involved early to get him in rhythm on his way to a nice game. He held on for a great catch in tight coverage to set up a touchdown pass from Joe Flacco on the first drive of the game. It seemed as though the Ravens didn’t want to test Chargers defensive back Brandon Flowers, who was covering Steve Smith, making Torrey Smith’s production crucial.

3. Gary Kubiak’s Offense Clicking

Gary Kubiak Baltimore Ravens Offensive Coordinator
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3. Gary Kubiak’s Offense Clicking

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The Ravens' offense put up more than 30 points for the second straight week as the Baltimore offense looks to be clicking on all cylinders. The offense performed so well that the Ravens only had to punt one all game, but 33 points wasn’t enough after an uncharacteristic showing from the defense.

2. Justin Forsett Successful Through Patience And Vision

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2. Justin Forsett Successful Through Patience And Vision

Justin Forsett Baltimore Ravens run vs. Cincinnati Bengals
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Running back Justin Forsett had another great game on the ground, rushing for over 100 yards as he eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing in a season for the first time in his career. He displayed great patience in allowing his blockers to get out in front and open up holes, and he consistently found a lane to pick up yardage.

1. Penalties Killed The Ravens

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1. Penalties Killed The Ravens

NFL Penalty Flag
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The Ravens couldn’t get out of their own way on defense as they constantly extended drives with penalties. Elvis Dumervil lined up in the neutral zone on multiple occasions, offsides penalties on third down extended drives, Matt Elam couldn’t cover Eddie Royal without drawing a flag and a pass interference penalty in the end zone with under a minute left sealed the Ravens’ fate. The Ravens beat themselves by playing undisciplined football.

Brenden McLaughlin is a Baltimore Ravens writer for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter @b_maction or add him to your network on Google.

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