Jordan Stout shines with historic punting as Ravens ascend in AFC North
Before assuming his role as head coach of the Baltimore Ravens nearly two decades ago, John Harbaugh carved out a significant career as a special teams coordinator at both the collegiate and professional levels. This extensive background in the often underappreciated third phase of football likely added an extra layer of satisfaction when he praised his kicking and punting units following a crucial victory over the New York Jets. The Ravens secured a decisive 23-10 win in Week 12, marking their fifth consecutive triumph and propelling them to the top of the AFC North standings for the first time this season.
Harbaugh’s Praise for Special Teams
“[Let’s] start with Jordan Stout and the punt coverage guys; that kept us in the game, probably, because we were backed up field-position wise,” Harbaugh remarked. The Ravens faced challenging field position throughout the game, often starting their drives around the 20-yard line and even being backed up inside their own 10 on a few occasions. Stout emerged as the standout performer, delivering one of the most impressive punting displays not just in franchise history, but in the annals of the NFL.
Stout’s Stellar Performance
The fourth-year punter continued his breakout season against a formidable opponent, with the Jets boasting one of the league’s top special teams units. “If I’m not mistaken, the Jets were the No. 1 special teams in the country,” Stout noted. “We knew that, so we all were going out there trying to prove that it was us.” Stout took the challenge personally, leading the charge with a remarkable performance that saw him set a new career-high.
In a stunning display, he launched a record-tying 74-yard punt, flipping the field decisively for the Ravens in the second quarter. This was not merely a one-off moment; Stout averaged an impressive 61.5 yards per punt throughout the game, a statistic that ranks as the sixth-highest single-game average in NFL history. One of his standout kicks pinned the Jets deep in their territory at the 5-yard line in the fourth quarter, underscoring his significant impact on the game.
A Historic Day for the Ravens
Stout’s exceptional outing not only solidified his place as a key player for the Ravens but also highlighted the importance of special teams in a tightly contested match. As the Ravens continue their pursuit of success this season, performances like Stout’s will be essential in maintaining their competitive edge in the AFC North. With a combination of skill, determination, and strategic execution, Jordan Stout has proven to be an invaluable asset for the Ravens, affirming the critical role of punting in today’s game.
