Lamar Jackson Under Pressure as Ravens Struggle
The Baltimore Ravens faced another setback in Week 14, succumbing to the Pittsburgh Steelers and dropping to a disappointing 6-7 record. Lamar Jackson’s performance continued to raise eyebrows as he failed to surpass a 60% completion rate for the fifth consecutive game. Against the Steelers, Jackson completed 19 of 35 passes, racking up 219 yards along with one touchdown and one interception. In addition, he contributed on the ground with seven carries for 43 yards and another touchdown, but the overall display left much to be desired.
Sherman’s Concerns for Jackson
The struggles of the two-time MVP have not gone unnoticed. Hall of Famer Richard Sherman, a voice of authority in the NFL, has expressed serious concerns about Jackson’s current form. Sherman speculates that there may be underlying issues affecting the quarterback’s ability to perform at his usual high standards. “I think there’s something going on,” he stated, highlighting the Ravens’ rocky start to the season. Jackson’s injury earlier in the season seemed to coincide with a downturn in the team’s performance. “They started the season 1-5 after he got hurt, but they didn’t look that great then,” Sherman noted.
Sherman pointed to a pivotal moment in the season, recalling how events began to spiral after a critical game against Buffalo. “Maybe that Buffalo game when Derrick Henry fumbled that ball in the fourth quarter and things kind of just started to cascade,” he added.
The former Super Bowl champion observed that Jackson appears to be “out of sorts” at the moment. The quarterback’s recent statistics are troubling; he recorded his first passing touchdown in four weeks during this game, but the overall trend is concerning. In the last four games, Jackson has managed only one touchdown against four interceptions, a stark contrast to his usual performance level.
Jackson’s Recent Performance Metrics
The statistics reveal a troubling pattern for Jackson. Over the past five outings, he has thrown just two touchdowns while being intercepted five times. While he seemed to regain his form during the game against the Miami Dolphins following a hamstring injury, that spark has since fizzled out. Until now, the Ravens had managed to mask these issues with wins, but back-to-back losses have opened the door for criticism and scrutiny.
Upcoming Challenges for the Ravens
With their latest defeat, the Ravens have lost their grip on the AFC North title, now trailing behind the Steelers. The outlook appears grim, especially considering their upcoming schedule. Baltimore is set to face the Cincinnati Bengals, who recently defeated them, followed by tough matchups against the 11-2 New England Patriots and the 9-3 Green Bay Packers. The season finale pits them against the Steelers once more, adding to the pressure.
In the aftermath of the loss to the Steelers, Jackson expressed his frustration, particularly regarding an overturned touchdown by Isaiah Likely. “I thought it was a touchdown, and everybody else on the field felt the same,” he remarked. Despite his disappointment, he acknowledged the need to move on, stating, “I can’t do the referee’s job, so I will just accept it.”
As the Ravens navigate these challenging waters, the question remains: Can Lamar Jackson rally his team and lead them to the playoffs amid these mounting pressures?
