The Thanksgiving matchup at M&T Bank Stadium was supposed to be a celebration for Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens, as Joe Burrow returned for Cincinnati after nine weeks on the sidelines. Instead, it became the latest flashpoint in a growing frustration among fans as Baltimore fell 32-14 to the Cincinnati Bengals and Jackson struggled through one of the toughest performances of his career.
Jackson committed three turnovers for the first time in four years, finishing the night with a fumble, an interception, missed throws, and stalled drives despite facing one of the league’s lowest-ranked defenses. The loss snapped Baltimore’s momentum and sent some fans into full-scale panic mode on social media — even floating a surprising replacement option.
“I just have to play consistently,” Jackson told reporters after the game. “I can’t have turnovers, especially in any game – not just this game, but in any game – I can’t have turnovers.”
Fans Call for Changes and Compare Jackson to Joe Flacco
The loss came with plenty of blame to go around — Baltimore committed five turnovers in total, including Isaiah Likely fumbling on the goal line and Zay Flowers losing possession and having a touchdown called back. But the conversation quickly shifted to Jackson’s performance and whether the two-time NFL MVP might be slipping into a deeper slump.
On X, formerly Twitter, NFL reporter Ari Meirov wrote, “Lamar has not looked like Lamar for 3 straight weeks. Waiting for it to turn around and it’s just not happening.”
Before adding his stats, “#Ravens QB Lamar Jackson in his last three games: – 0 TDs – 3 INTs – 2 fumbles lost – 8 sacks.”
Fans began questioning whether Baltimore needs a major shake-up in the comments. One particularly viral post even suggested the Ravens should “do the funniest thing ever” and bring back former franchise QB Joe Flacco.
“The Ravens need a major refresh. Harbaugh needs to go,” one fan wrote.
Another added: “They really are a more talented version of the New York Jets.”
Others stepped up to defend Jackson: “My GOAT is just taking it easy on the rest of the league,” one fan insisted. Another said: “Clearly not himself off that injury he had.”
Jackson has averaged under five rushing attempts per game in November — a major departure from his dual-threat identity — which has led to increased pressure and a career-high sack rate, per NFL.com data.
Why Joe Flacco’s Name is Trending Again
The Flacco chatter didn’t come out of nowhere. With Burrow recovering earlier this season, the Bengals traded with the Cleveland Browns to bring in the former Super Bowl MVP after Jake Browning struggled. Flacco immediately stabilized Cincinnati’s offense, including a career-high passing day against the Chicago Bears and a win over Aaron Rodgers on “Thursday Night Football.”
Even after Burrow’s return, Flacco remained grateful for the opportunity.
“As a competitor, you always want to be out there on the field,” Flacco said. “This is what I live to do, go out on that field and play football.”
He also revealed he hopes to return in 2026, telling ESPN’s Ben Baby: “Hopefully it reinforces it in somebody’s mind that I can do it. I do still want to do it.”
For some fans, that experience — and Flacco’s history in Baltimore — made the comparison unavoidable.
Teammates—and Lamar Jackson—Still Believe in Lamar Jackson
Not everyone is sounding the alarm. Safety Kyle Hamilton defended Jackson after the loss and downplayed the turnovers.
“Even LeBron has an off night,” Hamilton said, via ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.
Jackson himself remains confident the slump will pass.
“Just be me. Just be Lamar,” he said, via Hensley. “I just have to play consistently.”
The Baltimore Ravens’ — and Lamar Jackson-s— next game is a home matchup against their AFC North rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers, on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 1:00 PM EST
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