OWINGS MILLS, Md. — For Lamar Jackson, the majority of his postseason setbacks feel like a distant memory. However, there is one significant exception that he can’t shake — last year’s AFC Championship game, where the top-seeded Ravens fell short against the Kansas City Chiefs at home.
“I was young in the beginning, and it all happened so fast. Truthfully, the only game that really sticks with me is the AFC Championship,” Jackson remarked. “That’s the one playoff game I genuinely think about — we were so close. But my focus is on the present now. It’s time to concentrate on the Steelers.”
As they gear up for another playoff run, the Ravens retain many of the strengths they showcased last season when they played Kansas City. This time, however, Baltimore must secure two victories to reach the AFC title game, as they enter the playoffs as the No. 3 seed in the conference. The pressure is mounting on their star quarterback to perform under the spotlight.
The final weeks of the regular season sparked optimism within the Ravens, with Jackson steering the team to four consecutive victories and clinching the AFC North title. His performance has potentially positioned him to vie for a third MVP award, as he made history as the first quarterback in the NFL to throw for over 4,000 yards and rush for at least 900 yards in a single season.
Yet, overshadowing Jackson’s achievements is his playoff record of 2-4. As the postseason approaches, skepticism surrounds him, and he admits that his past performances haven’t always been up to par.
“I’ve just been too excited — that’s the issue,” he acknowledged. “I tend to get antsy. I see things unfolding in my mind and think, ‘I need to calm down.’ With experience, I’ve learned to strike a balance.”
Though Jackson is in his seventh season, his playoff experience is still relatively limited with only six starts, which is significantly fewer than quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes or his upcoming opponent, Russell Wilson. It’s also less than that of players like Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford.
Part of the reason for this scarcity of playoff appearances stems from his struggles to advance, but injuries that cut short his 2021 and 2022 seasons also played a pivotal role. In a sports culture where hot takes and extreme evaluations reign, it doesn’t take much for a player to be labeled as someone who falters in crucial moments. With two MVP awards but only two postseason victories, Jackson finds himself an easy target for criticism. To change that narrative, he likely needs to lead his team to the Super Bowl or at least perform outstandingly in defeat.
In his MVP-winning season of 2019, Jackson accounted for over 500 yards passing and rushing in a loss against Tennessee in his playoff debut. Despite that impressive statistic, he also turned the ball over three times and was sacked multiple times. The previous season, Jackson was responsible for four touchdowns in a playoff victory over Houston, but the subsequent week, the Ravens struggled offensively in a 17-10 defeat to Kansas City.
Thus, doubts persist, and no amount of regular-season success—even in key matchups—can fully quiet the criticism. However, one advantage for Jackson is his age; he recently turned 28, which still puts him younger than Peyton Manning was when he secured his first Super Bowl victory, despite having multiple MVPs by that time.
As for whether Jackson is more likely to reach the Super Bowl now compared to last year, that remains uncertain. The Ravens would need to overcome formidable rivals like the Steelers, Bills, and Chiefs, with the latter two games being played on the road. Still, Jackson is entering his second year working with offensive coordinator Todd Monken, and he has a prominent new teammate in running back Derrick Henry. Baltimore has made history as the first team to throw for 4,000 yards and rush for 3,000 in a single season.
The Ravens, along with Jackson, certainly pose a threat, though the path ahead is fraught with challenges.
“You have to aim for a clean game,” Jackson emphasized. “Victory comes from controlling turnovers, maintaining possession, advancing the ball, achieving first downs, and ultimately putting points on the scoreboard. That’s how these games are won.”
In other news, Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (knee) missed practice for the second consecutive day, while running back Justice Hill (concussion/illness) participated fully.
