Lamar Jackson needs to step up big against the Buccaneers
The Baltimore Ravens need Lamar Jackson to shine against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Lamar Jackson is defined by two things at the moment. He is exciting and he is inconsistent. The Ravens offense typically gets off to a fast start, stumbles a bit and then gets back on track- that seems to be the pattern with Jackson under center. Jackson shouldn’t be expected to have a flawless performance as a rookie at the NFL’s hardest position, but he does have to step up against the Buccaneers.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are much more dangerous than their record indicates. They have the most prolific passing game in the league and they put up 25.5 points per game. The Ravens defense may be able to withstand their productive style of attack, however the Ravens shouldn’t have to put that much pressure on the defense.
This needs to be a team win, one where the offense shines. Jackson is facing one of the worst defensive units in football, but we’ve said that before. In fact, Jackson hasn’t played one defense that you could objectively call good. Jackson needs to put together a complete game, without turning the ball over.
He doesn’t have to throw for 300 yards, but his total yards from scrimmage have to hover around that number. The number one thing Jackson needs to do, is allow the offense to dictate this game to the Buccaneers. The Ravens offense needs to stay on the field and score.
More from Ebony Bird
- The Baltimore Ravens Big Gamble
- Ravens Super Bowl odds present fascinating insight on Lamar Jackson’s future
- Should Baltimore Ravens be interested in this recently released WR
- Do the Baltimore Ravens have serious interest in this free agent wide out?
- NFL Draft Profile: Anthony Richardson is the perfect pivot for Baltimore Ravens
Jackson has four games as a starting quarterback. The Falcons game was proof that growth isn’t always a straight path up, and the Chiefs game was validation that Jackson is something to be excited about. Now, Jackson has take his first big step forward. He needs to find his groove and stay in it.
Jackson earned the starting job, because the team began moving the needle on the optimism meter up. Keeping the job as the starter, means the Ravens have to believe he is their best chance of winning. If Jackson can not only be the starting quarterback in a win against the Buccaneers, but also be the reason the team wins, that would be a big deal.
The Ravens have a battle with the 11-3 Los Angeles Chargers a week from today. The Chargers are a good team and they proved it by beating the Chiefs in Arrowhead. If Jackson is going to be the starter moving forward, he has to step up.
Here is a good goal for Jackson: 200 passing yards, 50-70 rushing yards, a couple touchdowns and no turnovers. If Jackson can put up numbers like that, and the Ravens continue to run the ball effectively with Gus Edwards and Ty Montgomery, the Ravens will give teams like the Chargers a lot of trouble.
Next. The best (and worst) receivers for Lamar Jackson. dark
Jackson needs to take a step up but we’re not asking him to be Pat Mahomes or Phillip Rivers. Jackson needs to shoot for five to ten more completions a game, and at least 50 more yards through the air. He needs to keep the offense from avoiding slumps. This is a big moment for Jackson. He’s the guy now, and it’s time for him to put on a show.