The Baltimore Ravens were on a four-game losing streak before their 30-16 win over the Chicago Bears, with Lamar Jackson on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.
Seeing his team get dismantled by the Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans, and to a lesser extent the Los Angeles Rams as the Ravens dropped to 1-5, that would no doubt have been tough sledding mentality for Jackson.
But at any point during his rehab, as he was watching his team get beaten down both on the field and off it in the media, did he ever lose any belief that this team could eventually turn the tide?
"Not at all," Jackson said. "I got a great group of guys on my team, good staff. I feel like we always got a chance to make something happen, and we still do. We showed that Sunday."
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At 2-5, the margin for error is nearly gone, and Lamar is expected to come in and get things rolling from the outset.
The win over Chicago last week was just what the doctor ordered, and now, on a quick turnaround, the Ravens have a chance to start building some momentum. One thing we know about this Baltimore team is that once it gets rolling, it's tough to stop.
The Miami Dolphins on the road present Jackson with a chance to get his mojo back and to put his team firmly back in playoff contention. Yes, they'll be 3-5 and a long way back, but no one is doubting this team's ability to go on a winning streak and gate-crash the playoff party.
But to do that, a win in Miami must be obtained first.
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