Lamar Jackson strengthened his case to be the 2023 season’s Most Valuable Player after his Week 16 performance against the San Francisco 49ers. Despite playing on the road, the 2019 NFL MVP completed 23 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns.
That victory helped them secure the top seed in the American Football Conference, earning them a Wild Card Round bye. It’s a small sample of Jackson’s excellence throughout a season he finished with 4,499 total yards (821 rushing), 29 total touchdowns, and only seven interceptions.
The former Louisville standout also improved his passing prowess by establishing career highs in completions (306), passing yards (3,678), and completion percentage (67.2).
But despite his impressive regular season, some football fans wonder if he can carry his game to the playoffs. After all, his postseason record has been awful.
Jackson is coming into their Divisional Round showdown versus the Houston Texans with a 1-4 record. His only victory occurred in the 2020 Wild Card Round against the Tennessee Titans. Last season, they lost to the Cincinnati Bengals via a 98-yard Sam Hubbard fumble return for a touchdown.
.@houstontexans vs. @ravens to kick off the weekend might be something special
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: #HOUvsBAL - Saturday 4:30pm ET on ESPN/ABC
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The Ravens haven’t done well during the Lamar Jackson era when they start the playoffs at home. They’ve lost in the 2018 and 2019 Wild Card Rounds against the Los Angeles Chargers and the Titans, respectively.
While there’s a concern regarding Jackson’s postseason struggles, he will have much help around him against the Texans. Tight end Mark Andrews participated at practice for the first time since suffering an ankle injury in Week 11.
Jackson and Gus Edwards lead their rushing attack, while rookie wideout Zay Flowers has been sensational for Baltimore.
The Texans won’t be an easy out, especially if rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud can replicate his Wild Card performance against the Cleveland Browns. But Jackson and the Ravens will try to defend home field with solid units on both sides.
The Ravens and the Texans will play on Saturday, January 20, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
-Lance Fernandez