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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

There are two instances when a team considers every game as the highest priority. Either, when on a losing streak and need to turn around, or when going smoothly and need to continue to go all the way. The latter is the case for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. After two earlier hiccups against the Colts and the Steelers, they have turned around well. The Ravens currently have the joint second-best output in the league with 7-2. But what is the success story behind the mighty Purple Pain?

The team’s most valuable asset, quarterback Lamar Jackson, disclosed the secret behind their win streak. However, probably a little too early, as the real challenge only lies ahead of him.

Lamar Jackson underlines one reason behind successive wins

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At the press conference following Tuesday’s practice session, the QB joined all smiles and happy. And reasonably so as the playoff spot is pretty much sealed unless a serious turnaround happens late in the season. He was a little too delighted with the very first question when he was asked upon his pass completion rate upgrading to 70% from 60%, which was already great. To which he jokingly replied, “What if I don’t have an answer?”

Later, the topic evolved to something more serious, and Jackson being the new spokesperson of the team, had to present an overview of the team’s current performance. To which, he was more than happy. When asked about their 4-match-winning consistency, Lamar spilled the beans on what was exactly pushing them to achieve the milestones they set.

“I believe our whole team is just locked in, [in] every phase – special teams, defense, offense. Each and every week, I believe, we’ve gotten better. There are certain things in the games – when we finish with games – we’re hard on ourselves about. But at the end of the day, we’re trying to get wins, and I believe, us just knowing each and every week is a championship game to us, that’s pretty much what it is. We’re treating every game like a championship game, until we’re finally there.”
A rather simple explanation from the quarterback. The Ravens have managed to perform well when set pre-requisites, till they are finally at their goal. But it will not be so simple for the Ravens in the upcoming weeks.

Jackson awaits the Myles Garret and Joe Burrow hurdle

The Ravens climbed from 3-2 to challenge the playoffs, but it’s not over yet. Two of the most commanding presences in the league are next in line for them, starting with NFL midseason PFF Defensive Player Of The Year winner Myles Garret. The 6-foot-4, 270-pound DE is a nightmare to be against, who has made more tackles and sacks and allowed fewer yards than reigning Defensive Player of The Year winner, Nick Bosa. The lives of Jackson and his WRs will be at stake when Garrett towers over the group next Sunday, at the Ravens vs. Browns game.

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Then, Bengal‘s Joe Burrow visits the M&T Bank Stadium for potential revenge. Since the week 2 loss against the Ravens, the Bengals have gone on to win 5 games, 4 of which are from the current streak. It is a completely different team than the ones the Ravens faced, and will be the game they need to bring in their championship mentality.

via Getty

The next two division rivals will not only set the tone for the divisional championship, but it will pave the way for the AFC Conference for either of these teams. And possibly even the Super Bowl, in the future. The Ravens fans will be hoping that Lamar Jackson remains this smiley coming back after 2 weeks.

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