Ravens win fifth straight, but Jackson struggles with passing and rushing performance

The Baltimore Ravens have surged into a tie for first place in the AFC North, but quarterback Lamar Jackson's performance raises concerns as the season progresses.

Why it matters: The Ravens recent success masks underlying issues with their star quarterback, which could impact their playoff aspirations.

Jackson completed 12 of 23 passes for 153 yards in the Ravens’ 23-10 victory over the New York Jets. Despite the win, this marks the third consecutive game that he has failed to pass for 200 yards—a feat he hasn't achieved since his early years in the league.

By the numbers: Over the past three games, Jackson's passer rating has plummeted to 62.8, significantly lower than his career average of 102.8. Furthermore, he is averaging a career-low 29.6 rushing yards per game, indicating potential limitations in both his passing and running game.

Yes, but: Head coach John Harbaugh remains confident in Jackson, stating, "He's our guy, he's our quarterback and Lamar's doing what he needs to do... The pretty games will be there." This suggests that the team believes improvements are on the horizon.

What’s next: As the Ravens push toward the playoffs, they must resolve these offensive inefficiencies. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley highlighted the team's goal: "So while winning is great, to reach our goals, we know we need to be better."

Zoom In: In victories against the Vikings, Browns, and Jets, Jackson has completed only 57.1% of his passes, totaling 522 yards with just one touchdown compared to two interceptions. These statistics indicate a worrying trend that cannot be overlooked.

The big picture: After starting the season 1-5, the Ravens have turned things around, winning five straight games. Their defense has been stellar, holding their last six opponents under 20 points, providing some cushion for Jackson as he navigates this rough patch.

As the Ravens continue their quest for the postseason, the spotlight will remain on Jackson. His ability to elevate his game will be crucial if the team is to maintain its position atop the competitive AFC North.