John Harbaugh’s Baltimore Ravens started Week 8 with confidence as they dove headfirst into their clash against the unbeaten Pittsburgh Steelers.
However, a brilliant overall display from the visitors ensured that their winning streak extended to 7 as Lamar Jackson and the Ravens suffered their second loss of the season.
Ben Roethlisberger and an inspired Steelers defense bested the Ravens by a narrow 24-28 scoreline on Sunday at the M&T Bank Stadium.
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What’s more, Jackson found himself under the scanner, yet again, as he failed to impress against a strong team. The reigning NFL MVP went 13 of 28, throwing for 208 yards with 2 passing TDs and 2 interceptions.
Having been bested by Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this season, this loss marked Jackson’s second to a top-tier team in the league.
Is this growing trend a cause for concern or merely an unfortunate coincidence?
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Lamar Jackson needs to do better against strong opponents, claims NFL analyst
"Lamar has played 2 games as a starter against Pittsburgh, in those 2 games he has 5 INTs and 5 fumbles. … The bye is now gone. I'm highly concerned about how Lamar has played in the biggest games of his career up to this point." — @getnickwright pic.twitter.com/98Hcs0SUiH
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) November 2, 2020
Popular American sportscaster Nick Wright appeared on FOX Sport’s First Things First earlier today. He proceeded to go on a lengthy rant where he explained why Lamar Jackson’s failure to perform against upper-tier NFL opponents was a ‘warning sign’ for the Ravens.
He said, “This is officially a flashing red warning sign for Baltimore. I’m gonna throw a few numbers at you. Lamar has played 2 games as a starter against Pittsburgh, in those 2 games he has 5 INTs and 5 fumbles. … The bye is now gone.
“I’m highly concerned about how Lamar has played in the biggest games of his career up to this point.”
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Jackson has thrown for 1,343 yards with 12 passing TDs against 4 interceptions from 7 games. Furthermore, he has rushed for 411 yards with 2 rushing TDs from 7 games.
Lamar’s failure to perform in the 2019 Playoffs and the subsequent losses to the Chiefs and Steelers is now like an ‘ink stain’ on his otherwise impeccable resume.
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Will the former Heisman Trophy winner prove his doubters wrong and come back with the bang in the second half of the season? Guess we’ll have to wait and watch.
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