Ravens Resurge: Lamar Jackson and the Challenge at the Top of the AFC North
The Baltimore Ravens have staged a remarkable comeback, going from a season start with a 1-5 record to leading the AFC North, even though their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson, is not in top form. Following Sunday’s 23-10 victory against the New York Jets, Jackson assured that the knee and ankle injuries have not affected his performance, although he is going through one of the most difficult moments of his outstanding career.Jackson has been limited to under 200 passing yards in three consecutive games for the first time in five years. In addition, he has played two straight games without throwing a touchdown pass for the first time in six years. During this period, the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player missed a practice two weeks ago due to knee discomfort and another last week due to an ankle injury. Jackson acknowledged last week that he could continue to miss a weekly practice for physical maintenance. One of the most significant changes in Jackson’s games has been the decrease in his runs. Jackson, who holds the record for most rushing yards by a quarterback, is averaging a career-low 29.6 yards per game.“I feel like we need to execute a lot better,” Jackson stated, who completed 12 of 23 passes for 153 yards on Sunday. “We get to advantageous positions on the field, but we’re not materializing points. That has nothing to do with an injury.”
Lamar Jackson
Jackson, who entered Sunday with the highest career NFL passer rating, at 102.8, has had a 62.8 rating in the last three games. In wins against the Vikings, Browns and Jets, Jackson has completed 57.1% of his passes (44 of 77) for 522 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. Ravens coach John Harbaugh expressed his “utmost confidence” in Jackson.“I’m out there, so I feel like I should still be able to do what I do,” Jackson stated, who ran 11 yards on seven attempts.
Lamar Jackson
The Ravens (6-5) have won five straight games to go from last place in the AFC North to a tie at the top of the division with the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, it has been the defense, which has held the last six opponents under 20 points, that has propelled Baltimore. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley has spoken with Jackson about how his execution needs to improve on offense to achieve their Super Bowl aspirations. “So, while winning is great, to achieve our goals, we know we need to be better,” Stanley said.“He’s our guy, he’s our quarterback and Lamar is doing what he needs to do,” Harbaugh said. “He’s winning football games and it’s not always pretty. The pretty games will come. They’ll be there for Lamar Jackson, you can bet on that. But I’m proud of him right now. I’m really proud of him for the way he’s fighting to win football games.”
John Harbaugh
