Kyle Hamilton Defends Lamar Jackson After Bengals Loss
In the wake of the Baltimore Ravens’ stunning loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Thanksgiving night, safety Kyle Hamilton stepped up to defend quarterback Lamar Jackson. Despite Jackson’s struggles, which saw him complete 17 of 32 passes for 246 yards with no touchdowns and one interception, Hamilton emphasized the importance of support among teammates.
Jackson’s Tough Night on the Field
Jackson’s performance marked a rare low point, as he accounted for three turnovers, including two lost fumbles. This game represented the first time since taking over as the Ravens’ starting quarterback that he failed to throw a touchdown in three consecutive outings. During his postgame remarks, Jackson expressed frustration, noting that while he rarely misses throws in practice, he found himself unable to connect on basic passes during the game.
Hamilton’s Perspective on Team Unity
When asked about Jackson’s unexpected struggles, Hamilton reflected on how even elite players can have off nights. “Yeah, I mean it’s one of those days, you know, that you have,” he said. “The defense had a lot of those days early in the year, and we aren’t pointing the finger at anybody. Not pointing the finger at Lamar, not pointing the finger at whoever it may be. We’re all one family, you know. We got to roll with the punches and get through the lows and the highs at the same time.”
Hamilton drew a compelling parallel between Jackson and NBA superstar LeBron James, underscoring that even the best athletes experience challenging moments. “Not surprised at all. Not really think of it as like a surprise that he’s throwing the ball wherever he may have been throwing it today,” he stated. “You know, he’s on point on time in practice. It just doesn’t go that way sometimes in the game, but you know, he’s a competitor and he’s one of the best, two-time MVP for a reason. So, even LeBron has an off night.”
Jackson’s Mental Fortitude
Throughout this challenging stretch, Jackson has maintained a high standard for himself. Hamilton noted that Jackson’s demeanor has remained consistent, which he views as a positive. “Yeah, I mean, he’s the same Lamar. I think that’s a good thing,” Hamilton said. “There’s a narrative that could switch very easily just because he’s a high-profile player and, like I said, two-time MVP. People are quick to criticize and jump to conclusions, but I mean, you have a tough two-three game stretch, and you don’t really get any leeway there if you’re Lamar Jackson.”
Hamilton emphasized that Jackson is focused solely on doing what is best for the team. “He doesn’t care about any of that. He’s just trying to do what’s best for this team so we can win football games,” he added.
Looking Ahead
While acknowledging that the Ravens have areas to improve, Hamilton remains confident in Jackson’s abilities. “I see Jackson throw on a daily basis, and I know he will get it right soon,” he remarked. The Ravens may have their challenges, but Hamilton believes they have made significant progress and will continue to push forward.
