BALTIMORE — The Los Angeles Chargers neutralized Lamar Jackson for three quarters and staved off a late comeback Sunday to eliminate Baltimore Ravens with a 23-17 win.
The youngest quarterback to start an NFL playoff game at 21, Jackson’s playoff debut was largely a day to forget, with fans questioning at halftime whether the Ravens should sub in Joe Flacco.
Jackson led Baltimore to win the AFC North mostly with his legs, but he threw two clutch touchdowns in the fourth quarter Sunday to get them back in it before fumbling the ball on their last-chance drive.
Baltimore’s No. 1-ranked defense held up, but Los Angeles kicker Michael Badgley went 5-for-6 on field goal attempts and Melvin Gordon pounded in a 1-yard touchdown at the top of the fourth quarter.
The Chargers will face the No. 2 New England Patriots next week, a meeting of two of the oldest quarterbacks in the playoffs — Tom Brady (41) and Philip Rivers (37).
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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