Ravens’ John Harbaugh optimistic about Jackson’s return: "Our quarterback is going to be back."
The Baltimore Ravens find themselves in dire straits at 1-5, struggling significantly without their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson.
Why it matters: The Ravens performance has sharply declined in Jackson's absence, raising questions about the team's identity and playoff aspirations as they grapple with the possibility of a lost season.
- Baltimore has been outscored 61-13 over the last two games without Jackson, highlighting a stark offensive deficiency.
- Historically, teams that start 1-5 have only a slim chance to make the playoffs, with just four instances in the Super Bowl era.
What's new: Following a dismal 17-3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, the Ravens are seeking answers as they look ahead to the remainder of the season.
- Cooper Rush, who started in place of Jackson, struggled significantly with no touchdowns and four interceptions over his two starts.
- Tyler Huntley took over in the fourth quarter against the Rams but could not ignite the offense.
By the numbers: The Ravens have seen a dramatic drop in scoring since losing Jackson, tallying only 13 points combined in those two games.
- This includes a mere three points against the Rams, marking the fewest scored by the team at home in 23 years.
- Since Jackson became the starting quarterback in 2018, the Ravens hold a disappointing 4-12 record when he does not play.
Yes, but: While Jackson's return is highly anticipated, head coach John Harbaugh cautions that his comeback cannot be taken for granted.
- "Our quarterback is going to be back," Harbaugh stated, expressing optimism, yet acknowledging the unpredictability of injuries.
- Tyler Linderbaum emphasized Jackson's value, calling him "the best quarterback in the game," underscoring how critical his presence is to the team's success.
What to watch: As the Ravens navigate this challenging period, all eyes will be on Jackson's recovery and its potential impact on the rest of the season.
- DeAndre Hopkins noted the importance of Jackson, stating that while his absence shouldn't serve as an excuse, it does reflect his pivotal role in the team's dynamics.
- The Ravens will need to rally quickly if they hope to avoid being part of the small group of teams historically unable to recover from a 1-5 start.
The bottom line: The Ravens face an uphill battle as they aim to salvage their season amid mounting adversity. With Jackson's health still uncertain, the upcoming weeks will prove crucial for both the team's morale and its playoff hopes.
