The Baltimore Ravens had what might be their biggest win of the year, defeating the New England Patriots by a score of 37-20. Obviously, with a win like that, there’s going to be some praise handed out to the team, but there’s only one player who’s going to get the game ball tonight, and that’s quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Jackson led the Ravens to the best performance that any team has had against the Patriots’ defense this season. Jackson was 17-of-23 for 163 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions while carrying the ball 16 times for 61 yards and two touchdowns. He is one of three quarterbacks to have thrown a touchdown pass against the Patriots and the only one that hasn’t thrown an interception against them this season.
Jackson’s presence on the field helped Baltimore’s offense elsewhere as well. With New England changing coverages in an effort to contain Jackson, indecision by defenders allowed the run game to get off to a quick start and gash the Patriots for 210 total net yards while averaging 5.1 yards-per-carry. When New England sent blitzes in man coverage, Jackson took to the air to pick up first downs. Baltimore’s entire gameplan was dependent on Jackson being Jackson.
Jackson is the most dynamic quarterback in the NFL right now and the entire country saw him humble the top team in the AFC, if not the entire NFL. Fans in M&T Bank Stadium were chanting for him to be the MVP and with the way that he’s been leading the team to win after win this season, his case is as strong as any.
