While there is still a very vocal minority of football fans who keep asking for Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson to prove himself despite his two MVP awards, No. 8 is willing to satisfy them time and time again with video-game performances. His win against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday was no different.
In a 41-38 overtime victory, Jackson completed 26 of his 42 passes for 348 yards and four touchdowns while adding 55 yards on the ground.
In a game where Joe Burrow was 30-39 with five touchdown passes, there was no margin for error. Running back Derrick Henry, who managed to seal the game with an overtime run that took Baltimore down to the six-yard line, was effusive in his praise for No. 8 after his mercurial showing.
Henry called that performance “3rd MVP level” for Jackson and said that he believes Lamar is the best player in the league. In fact, Henry claimed that Jackson was the “least excited” player in the room, as he was angry about a botched snap that gave the Bengals some life.
Derrick Henry calls MVP Lamar Jackson best player in league after Ravens win
Henry had a particularly memorable game after reaching multiple career milestones. Not only did he collect his 100th career touchdown in his stories pro career, but he also became just the 32nd player in NFL history to run for 10,000 yards. More than 60% of the eligible players who have rushed for 10,000 yards are in the Hall of Fame.
Jackson, meanwhile, has made a habit of torturing the Bengals. Lamar is now 9-2 against the Bengals in his career, and his 18 touchdown passes against Cincinnati are the most he has against an opponent. Even when his defense couldn’t stop David Klingler, Jackson managed to find a way.
Comments like that show that Jackson is currently operating in a championship or bust mentality. After years of close calls and a desire to break through with a very good roster, Jackson is trying to not get too caught up in a Week 5 win against the Bengals.
Jackson will need to keep this level of play up, and the Ravens will need to keep winning in a very competitive AFC that still has Kansas City and Houston ruling the roost. However, games like today showed that Baltimore is capable of beating anyone and every one the NFL has to offer.