The Baltimore Ravens won their fifth straight game with a 23-10 victory over the New York Jets, but quarterback Lamar Jackson wasn’t impressed. Even as the Ravens moved into first place in the AFC North, Jackson criticized the offense and made it clear they need to be better.
Lamar Jackson Expresses Frustration With Ravens Offensive Struggles
Jackson completed just 13 of 23 passes for 153 yards and acknowledged that the offense started slowly and failed to capitalize on opportunities.
The Ravens produced only two first downs in their first three drives and totaled just 72 yards in the first half. Jackson did not sugarcoat the issues when asked postgame.
“Like I said, started off slow, but I feel like we really got a lot of work to do, you know, because our defense played a great game, special teams played a great game, but we gotta do our part, and that’s putting points on the board, not turning it over. We were under, you know, underachieving a little bit tonight, so gotta do better,” Jackson said after the game to CBS .
The quarterback also dismissed speculation that knee and ankle issues were affecting his play, despite missing recent practices for body maintenance.
“I feel like we just need to execute a lot better,” Jackson said. “We get in great field position, but we’re not pulling points on the board. That has nothing to do with an injury.”
Jackson has now been held under 200 passing yards for three consecutive games — the first time that has happened in five seasons. He has also gone two straight games without a touchdown pass for the first time in six years. His passer rating over the last three matchups has dipped to 62.8, a major contrast from his league-high 102.8 career mark entering Week 12. His rushing production has also declined, averaging a career-low 29.6 yards per game.
Ravens Defense Dominates as Derrick Henry Draws Praise
While the offense faltered, the Baltimore defense delivered one of its strongest outings of the season, limiting the Jets to only 10 points and controlling field position throughout the game. Jackson credited running back Derrick Henry for energizing the team after halftime.
“He handles practice like it’s game day,” Jackson said. “You know, he runs every time he gets the ball. He running like it’s in a game, and it starts with his workout, you know, in practice, come out on the field on Sunday, he just do the same thing.”
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh reaffirmed full confidence in his quarterback despite the slump.
“He’s our guy, he’s our quarterback and Lamar’s doing what he needs to do,” Harbaugh said after the game . “He is winning football games and it’s not always pretty. The pretty games will be there. They’ll be there for Lamar Jackson , you can bet on that. But I’m proud of him right now. I’m really proud of him, the way he’s fighting to win football games.”
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens take on the Cincinnati Bengals — and possibly Joe Burrow — on Thanksgiving.
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