Well, it appears that Lamar Jackson didn't need too much time to get into a groove as he put on a show in his return as the Baltimore Ravens curb-stomped the Miami Dolphins 28-6.
Lamar would go 18 of 23 for 204 yards and four touchdowns in what was a near-perfect outing in his first game back for nearly a month.
Being out for so long, it would only be natural for Jackson to have a little rust as he got his legs underneath him with real NFL bullets flying. And as it turns out, one play shows Jackson that he did have a few cobwebs. A pass to Rashod Bateman early that he would otherwise have hit fell incomplete.
And speaking after the game, Jackson revealed his thoughts on his early play against Miami.
“I just wanted to put points on the board,” Jackson said. “I didn't want to start off too slow. You know, after that play happened, I was ready to go.”
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Ravens' playoff hopes still alive
We spoke of it prior to the game that the Ravens simply had to beat the Dolphins. It didn't matter how it looked, but a win had to be obtained -- and it was -- rather easily.
The 28-6 win was never in doubt with the Ravens in complete control for the majority of the game, and yes, it helps with Lamar playing at an MVP-level as well. Now at 3-5, the Ravens' faint playoff hopes are still alive, and it was the first step on what will be a long road for Baltimore if it is to secure a playoff spot.
With each remaining game essentially a playoff outing, the Ravens will need Jackson to play like he did against Miami for the rest of the way. With each win that is secured, the Ravens move ever so closer to a playoff spot.
Yes, there's a long way to go, but in Miami, the Ravens took that all-important first step.
And Lamar showed that despite being out for nearly a month, rust wasn't really a factor for him...because of course, right?
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