He threw for just 150 yards, tossed an interception and took four sacks, but Lamar Jackson felt he still did enough to answer his critics after leading the Baltimore Ravens to a 24-0 beatdown of the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 15.
Speculation about Jackson’s health, along with his commitment has been intense since he returned from a hamstring injury and the Ravens faltered in recent weeks. The two-time NFL MVP had a message for his critics once the Ravens had shutout their AFC North rivals on the road.
Jackson reminded the press, “I believe I told you guys this week that I was feeling better. I guess you had to see it to believe it,” per Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic.
That’s a surprisingly bold statement in light of his modest stat line at Paycor Stadium, but Jackson did make key plays when it counted on Sunday, December 14. One of his best contributions led to the first of his two touchdowns passes, a 30-yarder to running back Rasheen Ali in the second quarter, that was Baltimore’s first six-pointer on the day.
Lamar Jackson Played Efficient Football in Bengals Rout
Jackson had been in full defense mode about he was handling his health, following being called out for some shaky performances. The 28-year-old needed to answer his critics, and Jackson did, after a fashion, thanks to some efficient football in Cincinnati.
Efficiency came from the way Jackson spread his eight completions between just four pass-catchers. Ali and All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews combined for eight of those receptions, showing how Jackson was content to throw underneath and play it safe.
The cautious tactic was called for after the Ravens committed five turnovers, three by Jackson, in their first meeting with the Bengals this season. That 32-14 defeat back in Week 13 was never likely to be repeated when Jackson made smarter choices pre-snap on the road.
As head coach John Harbaugh revealed, it was Jackson’s decision to check to the pass to Ali, per Zrebiec. The audible paid off handsomely when Ali raced clear to score.
This play was typical of how Jackson approached his job with the Ravens’ playoff hopes at stake. Those hopes still rest on Jackson’s throwing arm and ability to run, but the Ravens also showed their star quarterback can count on more help from other phases of the team.
Ravens Played Complete Game
Jackson didn’t need to throw more than 12 passes because the Baltimore ground game worked so effectively. Two-time NFL rushing champion Derrick Henry gained 100 yards on a mere 11 carries, while change-of-pace back Keaton Mitchell added 66 to go with 26 from Jackson.
The steady diet of productive running made this look like classic Ravens football. Particularly when the defense was on dominant form.
A unit much-maligned at various points this season sacked Bengals QB Joe Burrow three times and snatched two interceptions. The second of those picks led to a 95-yard touchdown return for safety Alohi Gilman, while a pass rush supplemented by the return of a key edge defender kept Burrow rattled all day.
This is just what the Ravens needed after back-to-back disappointments against division foes. They’re still in the hunt for the playoffs, and if Jackson continues to play efficiently, that hunt will end with a postseason berth.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Lamar Jackson Calls Out Critics After Ravens Dominate Bengals appeared first on Heavy Sports.