Baltimore Ravens: Studs and duds from gritty win vs. 49ers

Stud: Justin Tucker

As mentioned already, the conditions were far from ideal on Sunday afternoon in Baltimore. The rain poured from kickoff to the final whistle and the wind was whipping at times as well. Thus, the kicking game was a bit of a concern for even an all-timer like Justin Tucker. But with the game on the line, Tucker stepped up and drilled a tough 49-yarder as time expired to get the win.

Tucker was perfect on the day overall too. He hit both of his field-goal attempts and converted both PAT tries that he had on the day. In the elements and in such a tightly contested game, especially with the game on the line late, Tucker’s performance was what you would expect from one of the NFL’s best at the position.

Stud: Defending George Kittle

While the Ravens pass defense was burned on a couple of occasions, one area where the defense unequivocally succeeded was in eliminating tight end George Kittle from the equation. Kittle has been the most reliable option for the 49ers in the passing game this season but Baltimore held him to just two catches on four targets and 17 yards.

It was far from a one-man show in stopping the All-Pro caliber tight end for the Ravens. Safeties, linebackers and cornerbacks all lined up with and matched up with Kittle throughout the day. Thus, the whole team’s effort in taking one of the Niners’ biggest matchup nightmares out of the game deserves applauding.