Jackson era pushes ahead
Rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson has energized the Baltimore Ravens offense since taking over for the injured Joe Flacco.
Now, he’s being rewarded for that performance.
Even though Flacco has been cleared to play from a hip injury that has sidelined him since Nov. 4, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said Jackson will remain the starter this week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“We just try to go out there and win,” Harbaugh said. “Like we say from the beginning, every decision is based on what makes us the strongest possible team we can be, and that’s – whether it’s quarterback or defensive line or whatever – that’s the bottom line. That’s what it boils down to, and that’s how we feel about this decision, and we’re rolling.”
Jackson has gone 3-1 as the starter and helped lead the Ravens back into the AFC playoff race. Jackson has run for 336 yards, the most by a quarterback in his first four starts in the Super Bowl era, according to research by ESPN.
“I pretty much didn’t really have a reaction to when coach was telling me,” Jackson said. “All it made me do was … I know I have to focus on everything a lot more – just bettering myself and trying to join with everybody around me even more. That’s about it.”
Meanwhile, Flacco will serve as the backup for the first time in his 11-year career. However, he will support Jackson and continue to prepare in case an opportunity arises to play.
“My overall thought about is obviously disappointed that I can’t be part of this team in the same capacity I have been for a long time,” Flacco said. “You always have to be ready and stay sharp and be ready to get the call at any point.”
The Ravens are 7-6, and hold the sixth and final playoff spot in the AFC by virtue of a tie-breaker. The Colts, Dolphins and Titans are also 7-6, so the Ravens will likely have to finish with 10 wins to snap a three-year playoff drought.
Baltimore is also a half-game behind Pittsburgh, which closes out the season against the Patriots, Saints and Bengals. The Ravens have home games against the Buccaneers and Browns, and a tough road test against the Chargers.
Harbaugh acknowledges the Ravens need to win their final three games to end their playoff drought. Baltimore can take another step toward its goal with a win over the Buccaneers at M&T Bank Stadium.
“Guys should come away excited about the next opportunity we get to rebound and get a huge win at home and keep the momentum,” safety Eric Weddle said. “Right now, the way we’re playing, no one is going to want to face us (down the stretch). We’ve got to do our job to get into the playoffs and see what happens. We’ll be a team to be reckoned with, for sure.”
SERIES HISTORY: 6th regular-season meeting. Ravens lead series, 3-2. Baltimore has won both games under head coach John Harbaugh and three straight in the series. The Ravens won the last meeting 48-17 in 2014 at Raymond James Stadium.
