Lamar Jackson put on a show Saturday night, leading the Baltimore Ravens to a decisive 38-17 win over the Houston Texans in the AFC Divisional Round. Jackson threw for 305 yards and 4 touchdowns while adding 121 rushing yards, silencing critics and doubts about his playoff abilities. The Ravens advance to host the AFC Championship game next Sunday.
Jackson Dominates from Start to Finish
After waiting nearly 3 weeks since their last game in early January, Jackson came out firing on all cylinders [1]. He completed his first 12 passes, methodically driving the Ravens down the field and capping off their opening drive with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Mark Andrews. It set the tone for a magical night for the star QB.
Jackson finished 26 of 31 passing with 4 TDs and no interceptions. He connected with favorite target Andrews for 2 scores, found WR Devin Duvernay for another, and hit newly acquired WR Odell Beckham Jr for a highlight reel one-handed grab in the end zone.
Jackson supplemented his prolific passing with his trademark mobility, rushing for 121 yards on just 11 carries. Several designed QB runs kept the Texans’ defense off balance all night. His 30 yard touchdown scamper late in the 3rd quarter sealed the victory emphatically.
| Passing | Completions | Yards | TDs | INTs |
|-|-|-|-|-|
| 26/31 | 305 | 4 | 0 |
| Rushing | Attempts | Yards | Long | TDs |
|-|-|-|-|-|
| 11 | 121 | 30 | 1 |
“He’s proven this year to be virtually unstoppable, and tonight was no different,” Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh said. “His accuracy as a passer keeps getting better and better.” [2]
Teammates and coaches praised Jackson’s mental preparation and film study habits as being instrumental in his dominance this season. “There’s levels to this game and [Lamar] is operating on one a lot of people can’t even comprehend,” said WR Zay Flowers. [3]
Ends Playoff Struggles, Sets Sights on Super Bowl
Jackson entered this game with a losing 1-3 playoff record and valid questions about whether he could raise his game in the postseason. He acknowledged the outside criticism served as motivation.
“As soon as the offseason came last year after we lost, my mindset was just like, we’ve got to get there next year. We’ve got to win the Super Bowl next year,” Jackson said earlier this week. [4]
The 26 year old QB is acutely aware that championship windows can close quickly in the NFL. “I’ve got to get it now. I’m not getting any younger,” Jackson stressed. [5]
But any doubts about his abilities or leadership seemed firmly put to rest on Saturday night. Jackson set a Ravens playoff record with 38 points scored and showed uncommon poise in hostile road conditions. Teammates’ confidence in their QB continues to grow.
“There’s a look in [Lamar’s] eyes this week that screams he’s playing for something greater than just a playoff win over Houston,” said DT Calais Campbell.
The Ravens controlled nearly every phase of the game and now seem destined for another conference title clash with the Buffalo Bills. Jackson relishes the next challenge.
“When you have doubters, it fuels you even more. So keep doubting, and we’re going to keep proving y’all wrong,” the QB defiantly claimed at his post game press conference.
| Ravens Postseason Under Jackson | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|
| Before Saturday | 1 | 3 |
| Including Divisional Round Win | 2 | 3 |
What’s Next
The Ravens will host the winner of Sunday’s Bengals/Chiefs game next Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. If the top seeded Bills take care of business against Miami tomorrow, it sets up a titanic AFC championship showdown between two of the game’s brightest stars in Jackson and Buffalo QB Josh Allen.
Baltimore would have the slight home field advantage, but Buffalo beat the Ravens narrowly 20-17 in the 2023 regular season. With Jackson showing newfound playoff moxie and the Ravens defense punishing teams up front, another classic battle could await to decide the conference.
Most oddsmakers and experts give Baltimore a slight edge if they meet Buffalo again [6]. But Jackson isn’t thinking ahead yet, saying his only focus is recovery and preparation for whoever their next opponent is.
If Jackson can summon another legendary outing to topple Buffalo, he would fully shed his former playoff demons. Expect the doubters to continue fueling his quest for a long awaited Lombardi trophy to punctuate his legacy.
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