Understanding that 27 carries a game is way too dangerous for an NFL quarterback, Lamar Jackson may do things differently in his second NFL start Sunday against the Oakland Raiders.
Understanding that 27 carries a game is way too dangerous for an NFL quarterback, Lamar Jackson may do things differently in his second NFL start Sunday.
Playing in place of the injured Joe Flacco last week, the former Louisville star slithered, juked and bulled his way for 117 yards rushing to lead the Baltimore Ravens past the Cincinnati Bengals 24-21.
« I didn’t know about it until after the game, » Jackson said. « I was like, ‘I ran 27 times?’ I was shocked myself. So, I was like, ‘Dang, maybe I do have to get down.' »
Or perhaps the rookie will decide that passing might be the way to go when the Ravens (5-5) face the Oakland Raiders (2-8).
« We did whatever it took to win, » Jackson said. « Hopefully, I’m going to start throwing the ball more. »
With Flacco out with a sore right hip for at least one more week, Jackson hopes to utilize both his feet and right arm when operating the run-pass option that has suddenly become a staple of the Baltimore offense.
« They played a different style of football, » Raiders coach Jon Gruden said after watching tape of the Cincinnati game. « They were able to adapt, and it’s a real credit to all those Ravens. But (Jackson) is tough to prepare for. You don’t know what he’s going to do, but you do know what he’s capable of doing and it’s scary. »
With Jackson and rookie running back Gus Edwards (115 yards rushing) leading the way, the Ravens snapped a three-game skid and got back in the playoff hunt.
