Getty Image / Will Newton
The Baltimore Ravens show the NFL that they’re a legitimate Super Bowl contender this season with a win on Sunday Night Football. They hosted Tom Brady and the undefeated New England Patriots in Baltimore where the Pats were 3-point favorites on the road.
The Baltimore Ravens scored on their first three offensive possessions, outscored the Pats in the 1st and 4th quarters, and handed the Pats their first loss of the season with a score of 37-20. Despite the New England Patriots being held scoreless in the 4th Quarter, there was some strange action afoot.
Analyst Cris Collinsworth called out Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson for potentially tipping his play calls to the Patriots defense. Going into this game, the Pats had the #1 D/ST in the league. They’re now ranked #2 behind the San Francisco 49ers in Total Defense and Passing Defense.
On the NBC broadcast, which some in the Ravens organization were sure to be paying attention to, Collingsworth noted that anytime Lamar Jackson was about to throw the ball he’d wipe his hands with his towel. And there was no towel wipe anytime Jackson was going to pass the ball off for a running play.
NBC Broadcast points out that Ravens QB Lamar Jackson dries off his hands before pass plays, doesn't before handing the ball off #NEvsBAL pic.twitter.com/OY7b4C2eOA
— Kevin Boilard (@KevinBoilard) November 4, 2019
Over at Larry Brown Sports, we see this quote about how Collinsworth calls the ‘signal’ busted and explains what might’ve happened.
After that play, there was a timeout.
Then Jackson grabbed his towel two plays in a row and handed it off two plays in a row, leading Collinsworth to state that the tip was “busted.” Collinsworth further speculated that someone heard the tip on the broadcast and passed it along to the Ravens to share with Jackson so he would break the pattern. (via For The Win)
It’s inconceivable to think the veterans on the Patriots D/ST wouldn’t spot that pretty quickly but shortly after Cris Collinsworth called out Jackson on the NBC broadcast the Ravens took a timeout and Lamar Jackson reversed course, possibly in an effort to confuse the Pats defense.
I feel like Lamar Jackson owes Collinsworth some beers for spotting what was happening and giving the Ravens the chance to shut it down before the Pats came back:
https://twitter.com/Joseph45000/status/1191202843832832001
Damn Chris Collinsworth is dirty for giving up Lamar Jackson’s tell during a nationally televised game.
— RM (@RobfMoore) November 4, 2019
Omg is Lamar Jackson tipping his passes against the Pats with his towel grab? And are STILL up 30-20? Amazing.
— Bulls Unite (@CJfromTampaBay) November 4, 2019
If Collinsworth correctly called how Lamar Jackson was tipping plays, Lamar needs to thank him after the game.
— J.C. VOTE YES! April 2 (@rock_climber02) November 4, 2019
One gambler was VERY STOKED to see the Patriots lose to the Ravens on Sunday Night Football because that completed a da of hitting massive bets that left that bettor $1.17 MILLION richer than they were on Saturday night.