Lamar Jackson’s MVP chances falter after eye-opening Eagles loss

Lamar Jackson entered Week 13 with a strong case as the NFL’s MVP frontrunner. His Baltimore Ravens boasted an 8-4 record, and Jackson was having one of the most efficient seasons of his career, leading the league in multiple quarterback metrics. However, the Ravens’ 24-19 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles has raised questions about Jackson’s MVP chances and his ability to carry Baltimore deep into the postseason.

Jackson’s stat line against the Eagles wasn’t terrible. He completed 23 of 36 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns, adding 79 rushing yards on eight attempts. But the eye test told a different story. The Ravens’ offense looked disjointed, failing to capitalize on numerous opportunities. Whether it was drive-killing penalties, poor situational execution, or Jackson being bottled up by Philadelphia’s defense, the performance fell short of MVP expectations.

Compounding matters, the Ravens’ special teams and defense didn’t do Jackson any favors. Justin Tucker missed two field goals and an extra point, leaving crucial points on the board. Meanwhile, the defense allowed Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts to close the game out in the fourth quarter. Still, MVPs are judged on their ability to overcome adversity, and Jackson couldn’t find enough magic to lead his team to victory.

Lamar Jackson's MV3 campaign takes hit vs. Philadelphia Eagles

The loss to the Eagles is just one game, but in the tightest MVP race in years, every performance matters. Jackson was squarely in the mix alongside players like Josh Allen, Saquon Barkley, and Jared Goff heading into Week 13. While his two touchdowns and interception-free game against Philadelphia helped keep his numbers strong (29 touchdowns to just three interceptions on the season) the Ravens’ inability to finish drives stands out.

This was Jackson’s second underwhelming game in three weeks, following a rough outing in the Ravens’ Week 11 loss to the Steelers. Against Pittsburgh, Jackson posted a sub-50% completion rate and just one touchdown, putting a dent in his MVP campaign. A rebound performance against the Chargers in Week 12 briefly reignited his MVP push, but Sunday’s loss to the Eagles has taken the wind out of his sails again.

If Jackson hopes to reclaim the lead in the MVP race, he’ll need to bounce back in a big way. The Ravens’ upcoming bye week offers an opportunity for Jackson and the offense to regroup before a pivotal stretch run.

Statistically, Jackson’s 2024 season remains elite. He’s thrown for 3,290 yards with 29 touchdowns and just three interceptions while rushing for 678 yards and three additional scores. He leads the league in QB rating and yards per attempt.

However, the Ravens’ struggles in high-pressure moments and against top-tier opponents have highlighted some cracks in the armor. Jackson will need to beat top-tier opponents if he wants to be seriously considered for the prestigious award.

The offense too often stalls in key situations, leaving Jackson in a position where he’s asked to do too much. While Jackson’s ability to single-handedly take over games has been on display throughout the season, it wasn’t enough against the Eagles or in other critical losses to the Steelers and Chiefs.

Lamar Jackson’s MVP candidacy isn’t dead, but the race is tighter than ever. With the Ravens fighting to stay in the AFC playoff hunt, Jackson can reassert himself as the league’s most valuable player. But if Baltimore can’t get back on track after their Week 13 flop, Jackson’s MVP campaign, and the Ravens’ Super Bowl aspirations, may fade into the background.

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