Lamar Jackson Seeks Consistency To Emerge From Slump With Ravens

Lamar Jackson Seeks Consistency to Overcome Career Slump

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has identified consistency as the key to emerging from his career-worst slump. Following the 32-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, Jackson emphasized the need to maintain a uniform performance, mentioning the word “consistent” repeatedly during his meeting with the media. In the game against the Bengals, Jackson suffered two fumbles and an interception, totaling three turnovers, the most in the last four seasons. “I just have to play consistently,” Jackson stated. Jackson dismissed that injuries are affecting his game. The two-time NFL Most Valuable Player has dealt with knee, ankle, and toe problems in the last three weeks, which has prevented him from participating in at least one practice each week. “No, I just have to be more consistent,” Jackson said. “I have to complete those passes. I don’t miss them in practice, so I shouldn’t miss them in the game.” Jackson denied that this has been the worst stretch of his career. Although he showed better mobility to escape pressure, the results were the same. This was the third straight game without a touchdown pass for Jackson, the longest drought in his eight years in the NFL. He has also had a completion percentage below 60% in four consecutive games for the first time.

I feel like I’m seeing the field pretty well for the most part. But I just have to be consistent. We all have to be consistent.
Lamar Jackson

How will Jackson achieve this consistency? “Just by being myself,” Jackson replied. “Just by being Lamar. You know, that’s it.”

In Jackson’s first four games, the Ravens averaged 32.7 points. Then, he missed three games due to a hamstring injury. Since his return, Baltimore has averaged 23 points in their five games. Jackson and the Ravens only managed 14 points against a Bengals defense that had allowed an average of 32.7 points per game, the worst mark in the NFL.

I have no complaints. He is our guy, and I fully trust him. Football is a way of life. Sometimes bad things happen.
Mark Andrews, Ravens tight end

The Ravens’ safety, Kyle Hamilton, stated that nobody is blaming Jackson. “He’s a competitor and he’s one of the best two-time MVPs for a reason. Even LeBron James has a bad night,” said Hamilton. Jackson’s first loss to the Bengals since 2021 affected Baltimore’s chances of repeating as AFC North champions. The Ravens’ chances of winning the division fell from 70% to 57%, according to the analyses. Baltimore (6-6) is half a game behind the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5), who host the Buffalo Bills (7-4) on Sunday.