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Owings Mills, Md. — Lamar Jackson seems to have taken a heartfelt message from his mother to heart following a recent loss. After a tough game against Philadelphia, Jackson recalled how his mother harshly questioned his decision-making, particularly regarding missed opportunities to run the ball. This coaching paid off during the Ravens’ impressive 35-14 triumph over the New York Giants last Sunday.
In that game, Jackson delivered a standout performance, throwing for five touchdown passes while also rushing for 65 yards on six carries. Although his rushing total was lower compared to the 79 yards he posted against the Eagles—thanks to a late 39-yard run when the game was nearly decided—this weekend marked only the fourth instance this season where he surpassed 60 rushing yards. Jackson noted the significance of their recent bye week, expressing that the team needed the time off and was ready to perform when they returned to the field, crediting his teammates for their determination in blocking.
As he continues to strengthen his candidacy for the MVP award, currently challenged by Josh Allen, Jackson boasts an impressive passer rating of 120.7. He has racked up 34 touchdown passes while only throwing three interceptions. While his running prowess is well understood, he has adapted to becoming a more potent passer, often opting to let plays unfold rather than immediately taking off. Throughout the game against the Giants, Jackson made wise decisions, quickly recovering from an early fumble without letting it affect his focus.
Baltimore, now holding a 9-5 record, is gearing up for an important matchup against their rivals, Pittsburgh, on Saturday. A win would allow the Ravens to level up in the tightly contested AFC North. However, a victory for the Steelers would grant them the division title. Coach John Harbaugh emphasized the importance of concentrating on the immediate goal while keeping the larger picture in focus, stating that success in this game opens up opportunities for division domination.
Jackson set a new record, becoming the first player in NFL history to achieve 80% completion for at least 250 passing yards alongside five touchdowns without any interceptions, finishing with a remarkable line of 21 completions on 25 attempts for 290 yards, resulting in a passer rating of 154.6. Additionally, he has now accumulated 6,001 rushing yards, inching closer to Mike Vick’s record of 6,109 yards for a quarterback.
Despite the victory, the Ravens continue to struggle with penalties, as they were flagged 12 times for a total of 112 yards. Harbaugh pointed out that many of these defensive penalties were critical to the Giants’ scoring efforts. He expressed a sense of frustration, wishing for acknowledgment of their potential to limit the opposition’s scoring under different circumstances.
A notable improvement for Baltimore came from their special teams unit, which had faced challenges previously. Justice Hill kicked off the game with a spectacular 59-yard kickoff return, while Desmond King, who had been recently elevated from the practice squad, made a crucial 22-yard punt return that helped set up the first touchdown.
Conversely, linebacker Trenton Simpson’s playing time diminished significantly, participating in only five defensive snaps against the Giants after having been a starter for 13 games this season. The team is also dealing with injuries; Harbaugh disclosed that defensive back Jalyn Armour-Davis missed the game due to a soft tissue issue.
Tight end Mark Andrews made history by scoring his 48th touchdown, now holding the record for the most career touchdowns for the franchise, previously held by Jamal Lewis at 47.
Looking forward, the Ravens have struggled against Pittsburgh, having lost their last four encounters, including a narrow 18-16 defeat earlier this season, where turnovers played a significant role. Coach Harbaugh remarked on the Steelers’ ability to create pivotal plays in those matchups, emphasizing the importance of making timely stops and turnovers, which have proven essential for winning games.
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