Ravens’ Thanksgiving Collapse Highlights Concerns Over Jackson’s Performance
The Baltimore Ravens’ remarkable five-game winning streak came to an abrupt and disappointing halt on Thanksgiving Day. The team found itself on the wrong end of a 32–14 loss at home, marred by a staggering five turnovers. While the defense, which played a pivotal role in lifting Baltimore from its early-season 1–5 record, contributed to the mistakes, it was Lamar Jackson’s troubling performance that ultimately sealed the Ravens’ fate.
Jackson’s Struggles Continue
Since returning from a hamstring injury, Jackson has not appeared to be at full strength. His recent struggles have been compounded by ongoing issues with his knee, ankle, and toe, leaving many to question his physical condition. Against the San Francisco 49ers, Jackson completed only 17 of his 32 pass attempts, translating to a completion rate of 53.1%. He managed to throw for 246 yards but failed to find the end zone, instead tossing one interception while losing two fumbles, resulting in a total of three turnovers.
This game marked the third consecutive outing without a touchdown for the two-time MVP, a disheartening statistic that reflects the challenges he has faced on the field. Despite these concerns, Jackson remains adamant that his health is not the underlying issue for his current form.
Team’s Resilience Amidst Adversity
Pro Bowl wide receiver Zay Flowers, a key offensive player, has expressed unwavering support for Jackson during this tumultuous time. “He is out there fighting with us,” Flowers said, referring to Jackson’s determination despite his injuries. “As long as he is fighting, and we are fighting with him, we will be alright.” His sentiments echo the resolve within the Ravens’ locker room to rally behind their quarterback, even as doubts linger.
Postgame, Jackson himself acknowledged the frustration stemming from his inability to execute throws he typically connects with during practice. He notably missed several wide-open receivers, a rarity for a player of his caliber. Flowers, who also faced his own challenges—losing a fumble and having a touchdown nullified—caught just two of his seven targets, a stark contrast to the season trajectory that had him poised for a career high in receiving yards.
Offensive Line Woes and Jackson’s Accuracy
Throughout the game, Jackson flashed moments of brilliance, yet he appeared unsettled, largely due to an offensive line that has struggled with protection all season long. An unexpected aspect of his performance was his lack of accuracy; he sailed throws high, skipped others to the turf, and was off-target far too often. His lone interception, a deflected pass in the red zone, extinguished any hopes for a Baltimore comeback.
As the Ravens navigate this challenging phase, it may be time to engage in an uncomfortable conversation about Jackson’s performance. The team’s success hinges on his ability to regain form and provide the leadership necessary to steer them back on track.
