ClutchPoints
First things first, the Baltimore Ravens need a healthy Lamar Jackson. That’s especially true as they face a tough battle against the Patriots. And with Jackson, the Ravens’ offense is turning the corner just in time to save the season.
Yes, it sounds like a broken record. How many times have the Ravens been supposedly on track this season? They started that way, scoring 40-plus points in each of their first two games.
Then they lost four straight before winning five in a row. Then they tanked against the Bengals before getting edged by the Steelers. Then they crushed the Bengals. So all is well again?
Let’s explore.
Jackson has been back in the lineup for seven weeks. In that time, he hasn’t topped the 250-yard passing mark. His rushing total exceeded 30 yards only twice.
But the most condemning stat is his touchdowns. Seven games: four passing touchdowns, one rushing score. That’s five scores with five interceptions. That’s not Jackson.
However, there is a silver lining. Jackson looked more like his old self against the Bengals than he has since Week 3. Maybe it’s a precursor to him finishing the season in a Jackson-like manner.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said Jackson showed a lot against the Bengals, according to ESPN.
“It still comes back to Lamar,” Harbaugh said. “He played great. He’s been preparing well. He’s been working hard.”
Of course, it works much easier for Jackson if the offensive line gives him time to work. Lineman Tyler Linderbaum said the Ravens have all of the tools they need to thrive on offense, according to WBFF Fox45 Baltimore’s YouTube page.
“Talent certainly is not an issue,” Linderbaum said. “We have all the playmakers in the world. It just comes down to execution, doing our jobs. And then consistently playing at a high level for four quarters. I think that’s what we need to get back to doing.”
It helps Henry that Keaton Mitchell has carved out an offensive niche over the last two games. Mitchell carried 14 times for 142 yards in those games.
Not so coincidentally, Henry rushed 36 times for 194 yards in those contests. The change of pace has helped Henry, according to ravenswire.com.
“The only logical question is as follows,” Geoffrey A Knox wrote. “What took so long? If the Ravens have injected their version of a thunder-and-lightning backfield on offense, that adds something else for opposing defenses to worry about.”
As usual, Henry is over 1,000 yards rushing with 1,125. He also has 10 touchdowns. And with the temperatures expected to be cold, who wants to get in Henry’s way on Sunday night?
“Size and speed certainly help, and when he gets into that secondary, I don’t know how many DBs in this league want to tackle him,” Linderbaum said. “His physical presence. How he plays the game. How hard he runs. It makes...
