Sport

Ravens' Remarkable Comeback: Lamar Jackson's Mixed Emotions After Heart-Pounding Win

2024-10-06

Author: Ling

CINCINNATI -- Following an electrifying 41-38 overtime victory against the Cincinnati Bengals, the atmosphere in the Baltimore Ravens' locker room was filled with pure elation. Coach John Harbaugh and his players erupted in cheers, celebrating what marked their largest comeback win in three years. However, amidst the celebrations, quarterback Lamar Jackson stood out with a different vibe—he was "ticked off."

Despite an impressive performance where Jackson threw for 348 yards and four touchdowns, he couldn't shake off the frustration from a fumbled snap during overtime. "This is not an exciting win for me at all ... I'm ticked off about that," Jackson expressed. "But we got it done, so it's cool. We got the win; that's all that matters."

Jackson showcased his adeptness on the field, leading the Ravens to points on all four of their drives in the second half, which included three touchdowns and one field goal. This game further solidified his credentials as the reigning NFL Most Valuable Player, marking his second career game with over 300 passing yards, four touchdown passes, and 50 rushing yards.

The pivotal moment came on the Ravens’ first drive of overtime when Jackson, distracted by the play clock, fumbled the snap which was recovered by the Bengals. Fortunately for Baltimore, the Bengals missed a potential game-winning 53-yard field goal shortly thereafter. Just moments later, running back Derrick Henry sprinted for 51 yards, setting up kicker Justin Tucker for a decisive 24-yard field goal that clinched the victory.

This victory was crucial for the Ravens (3-2), dropping the Bengals to a troubling 1-4 record. Jackson humorously noted, "Probably [I’m the least excited player]. I just don't like how that situation happened in overtime. If that probably wouldn't have happened, I would be the happiest person in a Ravens uniform right now."

Fans will remember this game for more than just the final score. In a moment that harkened back to Jackson's spectacular 2019 spin move, he delivered an unforgettable 6-yard touchdown pass to tight end Isaiah Likely while evading a rush from 265-pound defender Sam Hubbard. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, the completion probability for that pass was a mere 31.4%.

Mark Andrews, the Ravens tight end, could only marvel at Jackson's play, saying, "I've never seen anybody throw anything like that in my entire life. The play's never dead. He's so special, and that was a really cool one."

The Ravens faced significant challenges throughout the game, trailing by 10 points three times in the second half. At one point, their win probability plummeted to just 9% when Cincinnati led 38-28 with 8½ minutes remaining in regulation. Remarkably, this win marked the Ravens' first comeback from a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter since October 2021.

Derrick Henry couldn't contain his admiration for Jackson, proclaiming, "That was like [a] third MVP level for Lamar. It was a one-of-a-kind game. [He's] the best player in the league; [he's] the G.O.A.T for a reason."

As the season progresses, the question looms: how will Jackson channel his frustrations into future performances? And will the Ravens continue to harness their resilience in tight matchups? One thing is certain; with Lamar Jackson at the helm, excitement and unpredictability remain the hallmarks of Ravens football. Stay tuned for more thrilling moments ahead!