As the Baltimore Ravens were preparing to face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 7, Hall of Famer and current NFL analyst Steve Young said that he felt Ravens starting quarterback Lamar Jackson had looked “diminished physically” during the season.
Following the Ravens’ 27-22 loss to the Steelers that dropped Baltimore to 6-7, unnamed NFL executives spoke with Jeff Howe of The Athletic about what they’ve seen from Jackson since early November.
Lamar Jackson no longer scaring opposing teams?
“(He just) doesn’t look the same,” one executive said about Jackson.
Jackson missed three games earlier this fall due to a right hamstring injury before he guided the Ravens to an impressive 28-6 Week 9 win over the Miami Dolphins that improved Baltimore to 3-5. Since then, however, Jackson has not played like a dynamic offensive talent who has two regular-season Most Valuable Player Awards on his career resume.
Per Pro Football Reference, Jackson completed 55.6% of 144 pass attempts for 987 yards with two touchdowns, four interceptions and 12 sacks taken over his past five contests. He also lost two of four fumbles across those outings, and he rushed for 127 yards on 33 attempts. That’s good for an average of 3.8 yards per carry, compared to his career average of 6.0.
“He’s just not as explosive as in the past,” a second executive said about Jackson.
Coach shares this concern about Lamar Jackson
Jackson has missed practice time due to knee, ankle and toe issues since the Miami game on Oct. 30. It’s also worth noting that he has been a bit unlucky.
This past Sunday, a replay review controversially erased a Jackson-to-Isaiah Likely touchdown that would’ve given the Ravens a late lead over the Steelers. Pittsburgh ended the day at 7-6 and is now sitting atop the AFC North standings.
Nevertheless, an unnamed coach indicated Jackson isn’t doing himself favors during games.
“He looks off with his timing,” that coach said about Jackson.
Jackson will look to get right when the Ravens play at the Cincinnati Bengals (4-9) this coming Sunday. As of Tuesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had Baltimore as a 2.5-point road favorite for that matchup.
Meanwhile, the Steelers will host the 6-7 Dolphins for a prime-time showdown on Dec. 15.