Lamar Jackson, quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens, is in deep waters. He goes on to detail this time as the most challenging low point of his professional career. After returning from a three-game absence due to a hamstring injury, Jackson has struggled on the field, contributing to the Ravens’ disappointing offensive performances. Despite these disappointments, he is hopeful, claiming that discipline is the foundation on which he will build a brighter future after his present challenges.
In the most recent game versus the Cincinnati Bengals, Jackson unfortunately maintained his embarrassing month worth of hot garbage, fumbling twice and tossing one interception. The Ravens managed to score only 14 points against a Bengals defense that had been allowing an NFL-worst 32.7 points per game. This marked Jackson’s first loss to the Bengals since 2021 and dealt a setback to Baltimore’s aspirations of repeating as AFC North champions.
In one such media session, Jackson stressed the need for consistency almost a dozen times, using the word ten times in 4½ minutes. On what he needed to improve post-game, he answered, “No, I just got to be more consistent.” He expressed confidence in his ability to read the game, saying, “I feel like I’m seeing the field pretty good for the most part.”
Even amid his struggles, Jackson has shrugged off theories that recent injuries are hampering his performance. He’s been dealing with knee, ankle, and toe problems the last three weeks. Even with this, he’s adamant that these mounting injuries aren’t impacting his play at all on the field. That’s not a huge average depth, though. He had a tough game making plays through the air, completing just 53.1% of his passes (17/32) for 246 yards. This set up the fourth straight game he’s been under a 60% completion percentage—a first in his career.
The three turnovers Jackson was responsible for in the game were specifically his most in three seasons of action. He has not thrown a touchdown pass over the past three games. This is the longest drought of his eight-year NFL career. Since his return from injury, Baltimore has averaged only 23 points in his five starts.
Jackson did show signs of improvement Thursday in his pocket presence and ability to flush pressure, but it just wasn’t enough. To that end, Jackson knows he needs to bust out of this difficult stretch. Right now, he’s just focused on finding his rhythm again and giving more positive performances to his team.
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