Lamar Jackson was shining in his Baltimore Ravens’ win over the New York Jets this Thursday night. The No.1 MVP candidate threw five touchdowns and broke Michael Vick’s single-season QB record in rushing yards. In the end, it was 42-21 for the hosts who secured the AFC North division title.
The guests from the Big Apple didn’t stand a chance in this one, especially with the way Jackson played. It was 13-0 for the Ravens after the first quarter, and they finished the job with an excellent third period, which they’ve won 14-0.
As for LJ, he broke Vick’s record already on the opening drive, finishing the night with 86 yards on the ground on 8 carries. The previous record was 1,039 yards, and Jackson already now has 1,108, with two more games to go.
“My favorite player growing up. It’s amazing, and I’m going to cherish that forever and just got to keep it going. Records are made to be broken like he said. I heard him say that, and it’s an honor for me to do it,” Jackson said.
He ended the night with five TD passes, and 212 yards through the air, 15 for 23. Currently, Baltimore’s leader has 33 TD passes and is tied with Vinny Testaverde, who holds the single-season record. For sure, the chances for him surpassing the former NFL journeyman are high, because as we said, the Ravens have two more games this season.
All of his five score passes were towards different players. Seth Roberts, Mark Andrews, Marquise Brown, Myles Boykin, and Mark Ingram, all of them, delivered one TD last night. When it comes to Ingram, he had 76 yards on the ground on 13 rushes and had one more TD.
Baltimore posted 212 rushing yards, while New York had 108, from which 87 were Le’Veon Bell’s.
Sam Darnold threw 218 yards, 18 for 32, and had two touchdown passes with one pick. But he also had one fumble. Both of his TD passes went to Jamison Crowder, who had 90 yards on 6 catches.
The Jets came into this event with high hopes, as they won four out of their last five matches, but the challenge was just too big this time. The Ravens are looking unbeatable right now and are the No.1 favorites for clinching the AFC top spot and securing the home-field advantage in the playoffs.
Winning the division is something which isn’t their priority, and head coach Harbaugh said that after the game.
“We’re very proud of that,” Harbaugh said. “It’s our first goal. Not our top goal.”
Baltimore (12-2) has a tough game next week in Cleveland against the Browns. Even though the situation in Freddie Kitchen’s crew isn’t good at all, the hosts will be very motivated against their hated enemy. The Ravens-Browns rivalry is one of the most intense in the entire league.
After that game, they are hosting the Steelers, and that game might be a crucial one for both teams. For the Ravens to take the AFC, and for the guests to reach the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Jets are facing the Steelers next week at home.
