Joe Burrow was coming back after a nine-week absence, but it was Lamar Jackson who looked rusty on Thanksgiving night in Baltimore.
Despite facing the NFL's statistically worst defense, Jackson had one of his toughest games in the Ravens' 32-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Thanksgiving at M&T Bank Stadium.
Jackson fumbled twice, was intercepted once, and missed several open throws. It was the first time in four years that he's turned the ball over three times.
After the game, Jackson was at a loss for how to explain his night.
"I just have to play consistently," Jackson said. "I can't have turnovers, especially in any game – not just this game, but in any game – I can't have turnovers."
Jackson's woes weren't the Ravens' only offensive blunders. They had five turnovers overall – the first time that's happened since 2013. Isaiah Likely fumbled on the goal line. Zay Flowers fumbled and had a touchdown called back on offensive pass interference.
But Jackson is a two-time MVP who has also played some of his best games against the Bengals and on the primetime stage at M&T Bank Stadium.
His fumbles both had some bad luck. One came out as his arm was hit from behind as he tried to escape a sack. The other just fell out of his hand as he tried to pull back a throw that he was second-guessing. His interception came off a batted ball at the line of scrimmage with a defender right in his face.
"Weird fumbles," Jackson said. "But, we have to hold onto the ball. I'm not even talking about – I'm talking about myself. \[I have to\] hold onto the ball \[and\] make throws. I feel like I missed throws. That was … I don't miss those. It has to be consistent."