On November 23, 2025, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, the Baltimore Ravens crushed the New York Jets 23-10 in a game that turned on one explosive play—and one devastating mistake. Breece Hall, the Jets’ 24-year-old running back, electrified the crowd with a 40-yard catch-and-run that seemed to shift momentum. But just minutes later, he lost the ball at the Ravens’ 5-yard line, handing Baltimore life when the Jets needed a touchdown. That single sequence didn’t just cost New York points—it may have buried their playoff hopes.
A Turnaround in the AFC North
The Ravens, who started the season 1-5, are now riding a five-game winning streak. Their 6-5 record ties them with the Pittsburgh Steelers for first place in the AFC North after Pittsburgh lost to Chicago on the same day. Under head coach John Harbaugh, Baltimore has become a different team—tough, disciplined, and opportunistic. Their defense, once leaky, now forces turnovers at critical moments. And on Sunday, that meant capitalizing on Hall’s fumble.
The Play That Changed Everything
With the Jets leading 7-3 at halftime, the third quarter began with two field goals—Baltimore’s Justin Tucker and New York’s Chase McLaughlin—keeping things tight. Then came Hall’s big moment. On a screen pass from Tyrod Taylor, Hall slipped past two defenders, cut back across the field, and sprinted 40 yards into Ravens territory. Fans rose to their feet. The Jets were inches from tying the game. But as Hall lunged forward near the 3-yard line, Marlon Humphrey, the Ravens’ 29-year-old cornerback, poked the ball loose. It bounced into the end zone, recovered by Baltimore’s Baltimore Ravens defense.
Turnover. Field position. Game changed.
Hall finished with 119 total yards from scrimmage—his best performance since Week 4—but the fumble overshadowed everything. "You can’t do that in a game like this," said Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett post-game. "He’s a damn good player for us. But we need execution when it matters most."
Red Zone Blues and Ravens’ Ruthlessness
The Jets’ offense had been a mess all season, but Sunday was especially telling. They reached the red zone three times—and came away with just seven points. On their first drive, Tyrod Taylor hit John Metchie III for a 13-yard touchdown, giving New York a 7-0 lead. But after that? Silence. Three possessions inside the 20-yard line yielded just three field goal attempts, and two of them were nullified by penalties.
The Ravens, meanwhile, turned penalties into points. A pass interference call on Jets cornerback Isaiah Oliver gave Baltimore a 34-yard gain on third-and-15. Later, a similar call on safety Tony Adams put the ball at the 3-yard line. Derrick Henry, the 30-year-old powerhouse, punched in two touchdowns—one from 2 yards, another from 2 yards on fourth down—to seal the game. "We didn’t make the plays," said Taylor. "We had chances. We didn’t take them."
Who’s Under Center? Taylor’s Unexpected Return
Tyrod Taylor, 36, hadn’t started a game since 2023. He was drafted by the Ravens in 2011, spent years as a journeyman, and was brought back this season as a backup. When Justin Fields was benched after three consecutive poor performances, Taylor got the nod. He threw for 222 yards, one TD, and one late interception. Not bad—but not enough. His accuracy was solid, but his decision-making under pressure was shaky. And in a game where every possession mattered, the Jets couldn’t afford mistakes.
"He’s a veteran," said coach Aaron Glenn. "He’s been through this. But we need more than experience. We need execution."
What’s Next for the Jets?
At 3-8, the Jets are mathematically alive—but barely. With five games left, they need to win four to have a realistic shot at the playoffs. Their next three opponents: the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, and Philadelphia Eagles. All are above .500. Their schedule doesn’t get easier. The defense is porous. The offense is inconsistent. And now, the team’s best playmaker—Hall—is carrying the weight of a costly mistake.
"We’re not out of it," said Hall after the game. "But we’ve got to clean up the little things. One play can cost you everything."
The Ravens’ Rise: From 1-5 to Contenders
It’s hard to overstate how far the Ravens have come. After losing to the Browns in Week 6, they looked done. Now? They’re a playoff lock if they keep winning. Lamar Jackson, who threw for 201 yards and one touchdown, didn’t need to carry the team. The defense did. The running game did. And when the moment arrived, Marlon Humphrey made the play that defined the season so far.
"We knew we were better than our record," said Jackson. "But you don’t prove it by talking. You prove it by winning."
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Breece Hall’s fumble impact the Jets’ playoff chances?
Hall’s fumble inside the Ravens’ 5-yard line killed a potential tying drive and gave Baltimore prime field position. With the Jets now 3-8 and five games left, every loss is critical. A win in that situation could have kept them within one game of a wild-card spot. Instead, they’re now six games behind the AFC’s top seed and likely need a 4-1 finish just to stay relevant.
Why was Tyrod Taylor playing over Justin Fields?
Justin Fields, the Jets’ presumed starter, was benched after three straight games with poor efficiency: 52% completion rate, 2 interceptions, and zero touchdowns in his last two starts. Coach Aaron Glenn opted for Taylor’s experience and lower turnover rate. Taylor threw for 222 yards and one TD, but his late interception and inability to convert red zone chances sealed the loss.
What role did penalties play in the Ravens’ victory?
Penalties were decisive. Two pass interference calls on Jets defenders—Isaiah Oliver and Tony Adams—gave the Ravens 34 yards and a 3-yard line, respectively. Those two plays led directly to two touchdowns. The Jets committed 10 penalties for 85 yards, while Baltimore had just 4 for 30. In a close game, those mistakes were fatal.
How significant is Baltimore’s five-game winning streak?
It’s the longest winning streak for the Ravens since 2020, and it’s especially impressive given they started 1-5. No team in NFL history has won five straight after losing their first five games and made the playoffs—until now. With the Steelers also at 6-5, Baltimore controls its destiny. A win against the Bengals next week could put them in sole possession of the AFC North.
Is Breece Hall still the Jets’ primary offensive weapon?
Yes, despite the fumble. Hall has 898 scrimmage yards this season and is on pace for his first 1,000-yard campaign. He’s the only Jet with over 100 yards from scrimmage in four games this year. The offense runs through him. But with the team’s offensive line struggling and quarterback play inconsistent, even Hall’s best efforts aren’t enough to carry them.
What’s the outlook for the Jets’ coaching staff after this loss?
With the Jets at 3-8 and no playoff path in sight, pressure is mounting on head coach Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. Ownership has shown patience, but another loss next week could trigger internal reviews. The team’s inability to convert red zone opportunities and protect the ball has become a pattern—not a fluke. Changes may come sooner than fans expect.