NFL: Tennessee Titans at Baltimore Ravens
Oct 4, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) sits on the bench after being removed from the game due to a possible injury during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Baltimore Ravens could be headed toward another disappointing NFL season, and the questions surrounding their two-time MVP quarterback are becoming impossible to ignore. At one time, Baltimore’s problems were considered John Harbaugh’s fault, but perhaps that simply shouldn’t have been the case. We’ll get to that, but let’s talk more about Lamar first.
While Jackson has never reached a Super Bowl and has struggled to deliver consistently in the playoffs, how things unfolded this past week is most concerning. Jackson practiced all week after missing the past two weeks with an ankle injury, then was suddenly ruled out before a huge divisional showdown against the rival Bengals.
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Lamar Jackson not what he used to be
NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Atlanta Falcons
Oct 11, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Jackson’s past regular-season accomplishments are undeniable, but the postseason results remain the biggest problem. He has a 3-5 playoff record and has never reached the Super Bowl.
Now Jackson is entering a different stage of his career. The explosiveness that made him one of the NFL’s most difficult players to defend remains dangerous, but injuries have increasingly become part of the conversation.
That was evident again in Week 7. Jackson was ruled out against Cincinnati despite practicing all week. It was his third consecutive missed game because of the high ankle sprain he suffered against Tennessee on Oct. 4.
For a franchise quarterback, missing a critical divisional game inevitably invites criticism, particularly when Jackson had practiced throughout the week and even said he was trending in the right direction.
Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen have built reputations around playing through injuries. Matthew Stafford has played through injuries throughout his career and has still played at an elite level.
Part of being a star player is being available when your team needs you most, and Lamar Jackson has not been that guy. Availability is the best ability.
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John Harbaugh’s success in New York raises another question
NFL: New York Giants at New York Jets
Aug 28, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh looks up during the first half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
For years, some of the Ravens’ shortcomings were attributed to John Harbaugh. The argument was that Baltimore’s championship window was closing because the coaching staff could not get the team over the hump.
Harbaugh’s performance with the Giants is making that argument much harder to defend.
Under the former Ravens coach, New York has quickly become a winning team, while Baltimore continues to face many of the same problems that have followed the organization during Jackson’s tenure.
The Giants are sitting in first place in the NFC East, despite having to use three different starting QBs early this season, demonstrating that Harbaugh can still get a team to perform above expectations while dealing with adversity.
That shifts more of the attention toward Jackson. Jackson has been one of the most talented players in football. But talent has never been the question.
The question is whether he can stay healthy, play even when he is banged up, and perform at his best in the postseason.
So far, the answer has been no.
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