Jackson's ability to extend plays helped make him an MVP quarterback and someone defenses have to be wary of. For a defense, him scrambling forces them to make sure they fill the running lanes. However, Jackson also makes defenders like Ward or S Grant Delpit to guard their man longer.
For Cleveland's defense, they must be aware of Baltimore's skill to create momentum through big plays. In Baltimore's 41-17 win against Cleveland in Week 2, the Browns allowed six completions of 15 yards or more.
"He's a playmaker out there. He's able to extend plays, so it's already tough covering guys in this league," Ward said. "But, when he's able to extend the play longer than the average play, you just have to cover for that much longer and wait for guys to get open, type of thing."
WR Zay Flowers has been an explosive target for Jackson and the Ravens this season. Flowers began the season with a seven-reception, 143-yard outburst against the Bills. On back-to-back plays, Flowers first made a 39-yard catch, running past defenders to pick up extra yards. On the next play, he took a screen pass 23 yards for a touchdown.
Flowers hasn't slowed down since Week 1, even while Jackson was out injured. He has caught 43 passes for 482 yards in the eight games since Week 1. Once Jackson returned, Flowers recorded nine catches and 139 yards since Jackson returned in Week 9, getting 15.4 yards per reception in those two games.
"He's just running everywhere across the field, and you're expected to plaster until it's incomplete," Delpit said. "They're going to make a play or two, Lamar's going to escape the pocket, do some crazy stuff like we've all seen. So, we just have to do our best to stay close."