Ravens rise to the top while Lamar Jackson’s injury struggles cast a shadow
The Baltimore Ravens have surged to the forefront of the AFC North, claiming the top spot after an impressive five-game winning streak, a remarkable turnaround from their dismal 1-5 start. With a formidable roster that seems primed for a deep playoff push—anchored by Derrick Henry’s bulldozing runs, a relentless pass rush, and a secondary that stifles opposing receivers—the Ravens are generating excitement. Yet, beneath this winning facade lies a troubling reality: the team is thriving despite their star quarterback, not because of him.
Lamar Jackson’s Uncharacteristic Struggles
Two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson has not displayed the same explosive prowess that defined his earlier seasons. His recent performance against the New York Jets in Week 12 highlighted these concerns. Jackson completed just 13 of 23 passes for 153 yards during a 23-10 victory, marking his second consecutive game without a touchdown pass. With only 11 rushing yards on seven attempts, his overall performance fell short of expectations, prompting a D grade in ESPN’s Week 12 quarterback report card.
Brent Sobleski encapsulated the sentiment: “In the last three games, he completed less than 60 percent of his passes, threw only one touchdown, and provided 57 total rushing yards. He’s simply not the same dynamic quarterback at this point in time.”
Injury Woes Continue to Plague Jackson
Jackson’s struggles are compounded by a series of injuries that have plagued him throughout the season. He sustained a hamstring injury during a 37-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4, which sidelined him for three games and contributed to the Ravens’ early struggles. Returning in Week 9 against the Dolphins, he showcased glimpses of his former self, completing 18 of 23 passes for 204 yards and four touchdowns in a commanding 28-6 victory.
However, the optimism was short-lived. Since that Miami game, Jackson has faced a new health concern each week. After dealing with knee soreness that caused him to miss a Wednesday practice leading up to the game against the Browns, he faced yet another setback with an ankle injury the following week, which did not prevent him from starting against the Jets.
Despite his underwhelming performance, Jackson was adamant that injuries were not the root cause. “I can’t call it,” he stated to reporters. “But I’m out there so I feel like I should still be able to do what I do. … We just need to execute a lot better. We’re getting great field position, but we’re not putting points on the board. That has nothing to do with no injury.”
Latest Injury Concerns
As the Ravens prepare for a crucial Thanksgiving matchup against the Bengals, Jackson has surfaced on the injury report once again, this time with a toe issue. He was listed as a non-participant in a walkthrough early in the week, marking the third consecutive week in which he has missed practice due to a different lower-body ailment.
With the Ravens riding high on their recent success, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Jackson’s health raises questions about their potential playoff trajectory. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if their star quarterback can regain his form and lead the team to greater heights in the weeks ahead.
