Baltimore controls its destiny, but just barely
RAVENS 27, EAGLES 26
baltimore» The Baltimore Ravens survived a desperate comeback bid by the Philadelphia Eagles, escaping with a 27-26 victory Sunday after stopping a two-point conversion with four seconds left.
On a wet and windy day, the Ravens squeezed out a win that enabled them to maintain control of their playoff fate.
If Baltimore defeats Pittsburgh on Christmas Day and Cincinnati in the regular-season finale, the Ravens will enter the postseason as AFC North champions.
Baltimore (8-6) had a 27-17 lead and a first down at the Philadelphia 11 when Joe Flacco threw an interception to give the Eagles (5-9) another chance.
“I turned the ball over at the end and that’s the only reason it was really a game,” Flacco said.
Rookie Carson Wentz directed a drive that produced a field goal with 2:22 remaining.
The Eagles got the ball back at their 41 with 1:39 to go. A 24-yard completion to tight end Zach Ertz and a pass interference call against rookie Tavon Young set up a 4-yard touchdown run by Wentz that got Philadelphia within a point.
First-year coach Doug Pederson went for the victory, declining the conversion kick for a 2-point try.
“I wanted to win the football game,” Pederson said.
Wentz threw over the middle to tight Jordan Matthews, who couldn’t get his hands on a tipped ball.
Philadelphia has lost five straight.