Today looked like an opportunity for Lamar Jackson to have a big day. Thus far, he has.
Through three quarters, Jackson is 17-of-19 passing for 206 yards and four touchdowns against the overmatched New York Giants, who are without multiple starters in the secondary. Jackson has also added 65 rushing yards on five carries, which should make his mom happy. The only blemish for the two-time MVP was a lost fumble on the first drive of the game, but Jackson quickly shook that off.
In the first half, the Baltimore Ravens star did something no NFL quarterback had done in five years: throw for three or more passing touchdowns and run for 50 or more yards in one half.
The last player to accomplish that feat, according to ESPN Stats and Info? Jackson himself, back in 2019.
Baltimore currently leads the 2-11 Giants 28-7 early in the fourth quarter.
Coming into today, the 8-5 Ravens are still within striking distance of the 10-3 Pittsburgh Steelers, who lead the AFC North with four games to play.
The two longtime rivals will meet for a second time this season next Sunday in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won the first matchup 18-16 last month.
“The current order is likely how things will finish, but that doesn’t mean I’m ready to dismiss the Ravens’ chances of overtaking the Steelers,” said Ravens beat writer Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. “Baltimore has historically played well after its bye. The team is healthy, the defense is playing better and this is Derrick Henry’s time of year. When you combine those factors with Pittsburgh’s difficult schedule, it’s not crazy to think Baltimore could reel off four consecutive wins to close the regular season. My guess is the Steelers hold on, but the Ravens will make it interesting.”
