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There isn’t a workforce that can have more eyes on them coming into the NFL playoffs than the Baltimore Ravens. They enter the postseason on a roll, profitable their final 5 video games by a median of 19.4 factors. Their run recreation has been the catalyst behind their latest win streak, with Lamar Jackson main the best way.
Jackson’s play this season has been a combined bag of fine and unhealthy. He appears to be peaking on the proper time, coming into a giant wild-card matchup in opposition to the Tennessee Titans. He has the chance to kill two birds with one stone if he will get the win.
Lamar Jackson has struggled within the playoffs
There’s a narrative surrounding Lamar Jackson, and it isn’t a superb one. The third-year quarterback is electrifying throughout the common season however doesn’t carry that into the playoffs. Jackson has really performed terrible within the playoffs, which has many questioning if he can present up when it issues most.
The pattern measurement is small, provided that Jackson has performed in two postseason video games. Nevertheless, the stats present simply how poorly he has performed. In two playoff video games, Jackson has accomplished 51% of his passes, averages 279.5 passing yards, and thrown three touchdowns and three interceptions per ESPN. Fumbles have additionally been a difficulty, placing the ball on the bottom 4 occasions.
The playoff struggles have been a ache level for Jackson early in his profession. Having an 0-2 postseason report doesn’t make issues simpler for the league MVP. He understands that he hasn’t proven up within the playoffs and needs to erase this narrative. If he loses in opposition to the Titans, he’ll turn into the second quarterback to lose three playoff openers of their first three seasons, per ESPN.
Aside from desirous to get his first postseason victory, there may be another excuse why Jackson may come into this recreation motivated. The workforce he’s going through within the wild-card is identical workforce that despatched him dwelling final yr and beat them earlier this yr.
The Titans have had Lamar Jackson’s quantity
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It looks as if the Titans know how to stop Lamar Jackson. They shut Jackson down within the AFC Divisional playoff recreation final season, forcing him into three turnovers and limiting him to at least one landing.
The 2 groups met once more throughout the 2020 season in Week 11. Tennessee restricted Jackson’s effectiveness a second time, holding him to 186 yards passing and 51 yards speeding. Jackson threw one landing and one decide, ending the sport with 39.3 QBR. The Titans’ protection is mediocre at greatest, however they elevate their play degree when No.8 for Baltimore takes the sector.
Tennessee’s methodology of slowing Jackson down is condensing area on the sector. Utilizing cornerback blitzes and forcing Jackson towards the sidelines, the Titans have restricted the large performs Jackson is understood for. Tennesse may implement that very same components, as Jackson has returned to his MVP-self throughout the Ravens’ five-game win streak.
Lamar Jackson hasn’t performed his greatest in opposition to the Titans, however that may change. With the best way he’s enjoying coming into the postseason, Jackson can test two issues off his listing, provided that he performs nicely and the Ravens get the victory.
Lamar Jackson can hush all of the noise with a playoff win
There’s a lot noise surrounding Jackson due to his playoff struggles, how he performs in opposition to the Titans, and the way he hasn’t gained a playoff recreation. For Jackson, a easy treatment will hush all the speak and narratives.
If Jackson performs like he has on this win streak within the wild-card recreation, the speak will stop. He has 15 whole touchdowns throughout the streak, signaling that he’s on fireplace. What would be the distinction in opposition to the Titans would be the operating recreation. Baltimore leads the league in speeding, averaging 191.9 yards per recreation. The Titans permit 120.8 yards on the bottom and have failed to indicate any resistance in latest weeks.
Beating Tenessee can even be one other factor Jackson can cross off. An MVP efficiency that eliminates the Titans can be the right revenge after they’ve contained him in earlier matchups. The most important factor that Jackson is in search of although, is that elusive playoff win. If he performs as much as his capabilities, he ought to get that win.
It doesn’t appear proper that there’s a lot stress on a 24-year outdated quarterback going into his third playoff recreation. Nonetheless, Lamar Jackson has to answer it. He can actual revenge on a bitter opponent and alter the playoff narrative round him with a giant recreation and a postseason win. This has the sensation of a career-defining recreation for No. 8.
All stats courtsey of ESPN
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