The Game Was Tough, But Lamar Jackson Found A Way

Whatever it took to win Sunday, Lamar Jackson was willing to endure.

The physical, top-ranked defense of the San Francisco 49ers hit Jackson more than any team has this season, whether he was in the pocket or running downfield. For Jackson to play like an MVP, he was going to get H-I-T.

“They were going after him for sure,” Ravens Pro Bowl guard Marshal Yanda said. “That’s football. When he’s a runner, they’re not going to let up. That’s a good defense.”

But even when you hit Jackson, you can’t break his will. Carrying the ball 16 times for 101 yards and a touchdown, Jackson was the offensive catalyst in the Ravens’ 20-17 victory that wasn’t decided until Justin Tucker’s game-winning 49-yard field goal on the final play.

This wasn’t a one-sided victory like many the Ravens have enjoyed recently. This was a slugfest played in a downpour that bothered Jackson (14 for 23, 105 yards) and left him disappointed with his throwing accuracy.

One thing, in particular, that stood out was the camaraderie that Baltimore displayed. Even after a fumble from Jackson, offensive linemen coddled him and told him it was okay. The defense was hellbent on getting the ball back and also assured Jackson that everyone makes mistakes.

This wasn’t a one-sided victory like many the Ravens have enjoyed recently. This was a slugfest played in a downpour that bothered Jackson (14 for 23, 105 yards) and left him disappointed with his throwing accuracy.

“You saw the balls,” Jackson said, lowering his head in disgust. “You saw them. Horrible. Oh, man. I was throwing passes behind my receivers. It was ticking me off. A lot of passes were getting away from me. If we’d have had a lot more success, converting completions … it messed with me a lot.”

However, Jackson completed three passes during Baltimore’s 12-play, 34-yard drive that set up Tucker’s game-winning kick. And on a day that wasn’t conducive for throwing or finesse football, Jackson still made game-winning plays against a talented defense that was geared to stop him.

But when it counted most on Baltimore’s final drive, Jackson delivered. During that game-winning drive, Jackson converted a huge 4th-and-1 on a quarterback sneak, gaining three yards from Baltimore’s 44-yard line.

Jackson was asked if there was any doubt the Ravens would go for it in that situation, he said, “No, we’re determined, regardless. We’re trying to win. We played a great team. It was all go. We had to do it.”

Jackson showed once again that he’s down for whatever it takes to win.