Lamar Jackson is back, and how! Last year’s unanimous MVP looks to have found his mojo again at just the right time. His 124-yard rushing performance which included 2 rushing touchdowns saw the Ravens beat division rivals Cleveland Browns in an enthralling game of Monday Night Football.
Lamar, who’s been slightly off color over the past few gameweeks, reminded the world just how effective his running game is. And his performance did not go unnoticed. Former NFL WR Nate Burleson feels the Baltimore QB has kicked into gear at just the right time.
Lamar Jackson a force to reckon with
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Burleson, during a segment of the NFL’s GMFB, said that the Ravens QB reminds him of NBA legends Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton on the break with his scintillating pace.
“I’m a big fan of Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp. Mainly because when they were on the fast break, they were the most dangerous combo in all of the NBA.
“When they were moving forward on the fast break. I don’t feel like anybody could stop. I feel like it’s the same thing for Lamar Jackson when he gets moving,” he said.
“When that dude decides, I’m gonna keep it. I’m gonna take it. He’s unstoppable. Now for most of the year, it was like watching the Avengers last 2 movies. Waiting for the Incredible Hulk to transform. Like bro, where are you at?!
“There’s a fight going on. Are you here, what do I need to do to get you mad. I need you, I need you to turn into Hulk right now. Lamar Jackson did that (against the Browns). He was making plays with his legs.”
COVID galore for the Baltimore Ravens
The win against the Browns will give the Ravens some confidence heading into the final 3 games of the regular season. But the road to the Playoffs won’t be that easy for them.
With 3 receivers on the Reserve/COVID list, including star wideout Marquise Brown, the team will have to pad up without their leading wide receiver.
“Once again, they’re dealing with adversity. There are a few guys that are on the COVID list. It’s still up in the air if they’re gonna play or not, and Marquise Brown, one of those guys on the COVID list,” said Burleson.
Lamar, himself, was out with COVID a few weeks ago and returned to take the league by storm against the Browns. One bit of good news for Ravens fans is that with former Cowboys WR Dez Bryant (also placed on the Reserve/COVID list earlier) now clear to take the field on Sunday, they’ll have a seasoned veteran to fill the void left by Brown.
Carrying the momentum into the Playoffs
The Ravens might opt to run the ball more, given their dearth of WRs. But that shouldn’t be a problem for them with Lamar on the field.
Ravens are the NFL’s only team with 3 players to each have 500+ yards rushing.
Lamar Jackson: 793 yards
7.3 ypc ranks No. 1JK Dobbins: 504
5.3 ypc ranks No. 5Gus Edwards: 536
5.0 ypc ranks No. 12Put it together and Baltimore has the NFL’s best rush attack with 173.8 ypg.
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) December 16, 2020
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“Right now, these guys are making plays at the right time. In their schedule, they have the Jags, the Giants, and the Bengals remaining.
“So if you’re talking about what’s going to happen, moving forward. It seems like the Ravens are in perfect position to finish out the season, 11-5 in with great momentum going into the Playoffs,” he said.
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With the Ravens on the cusp of making it to the Playoffs, winning the next 3 games will be crucial for their season. And for Ravens fans and the neutrals, the stage is set for Lamar Jackson to shine once again.
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