Lamar Jackson’s return was supposed to be the moment the Ravens hit the gas pedal. Instead, the engine’s been sputtering.
After missing three games with a hamstring injury suffered in Week 4 against the Chiefs, the two-time MVP came back in Week 9 and rattled off four straight wins. On paper, that sounds like a quarterback doing his job. But when you dig into the performances-and especially what’s happened since-something’s clearly off.
Let’s start with the obvious: Jackson’s play has been inconsistent, and at times, downright puzzling. The Thanksgiving loss to the Bengals was a low point, and not just because of the 32-14 final score.
Cincinnati came into that game with one of the league’s worst defenses, yet Baltimore’s offense looked completely out of sync. And Jackson?
He had one of the roughest outings of his career.
The moment that’s been replayed over and over-and not in a good way-is the interception he threw to his cousin, Bengals defensive back James Pierre. Yes, that James Pierre.
The play was a head-scratcher: a forced throw into traffic that never had a chance. It wasn’t just a turnover-it was the kind of mistake that makes you wonder what Jackson saw, or didn’t see, in the moment.
That pick wasn’t just a blemish on the stat sheet. It was symbolic of a larger issue: a quarterback who, right now, doesn’t look like himself.
Jackson has always been known for his dynamic playmaking-his ability to extend plays, make defenders miss, and turn broken situations into highlight-reel moments. That magic has been missing since his return.
Now, let’s be clear: Jackson is still one of the most talented players in the league. And we’ve seen him bounce back from adversity before.
But with the Ravens in the thick of a playoff race and a must-win matchup against a division rival looming, the margin for error is gone. Baltimore needs their leader to step up-and fast.
It’s not just about stats or flashy plays. It’s about decision-making, poise, and execution.
And right now, Jackson isn’t checking those boxes. Whether it’s lingering effects from the hamstring injury or something else entirely, the Ravens need to figure it out-because the stakes are only getting higher.
Last season, Jackson put up career-highs in passing yards and touchdowns. That version of Lamar?
He was an MVP frontrunner and a nightmare for opposing defenses. The Ravens are still waiting for that guy to show up in 2025.
There’s still time-but not much.