Lamar Jackson’s second-half evisceration of Bengals reinforces MVP status

After a stunning performance on Thursday Night Football, it’s time to make this clear: Lamar Jackson is the heart of the MVP conversation.

Jackson carried the Baltimore Ravens to a dramatic 35-34 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, putting his leadership and playmaking skills on full display in one of the season’s most electric games. With his second-half explosion, Jackson reinforced why he remains one of the most dangerous and indispensable players in the NFL.

Against the Bengals, Jackson was unstoppable in the second half, leading four straight touchdown drives that brought the Ravens back from a 21-7 deficit. He completed 25 of 33 passes for 290 yards, throwing four touchdowns without a single turnover. His final drive was a defining moment in his MVP campaign: a composed 11-play, 70-yard march that drained the clock and put Baltimore ahead for good.

Cincinnati came into the game riding the momentum of a strong offense led by Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, who combined for over 260 receiving yards and three touchdowns. But Jackson refused to be outdone, taking over the game with a near-perfect second half.

Lamar Jackson adds to his MVP-worthy season with dominant performance over Bengals

His calm under pressure was evident, as he made big throws to Rashod Bateman, Tylan Wallace, and Mark Andrews, ultimately finishing with a 141.4 passer rating on the night.

The Bengals had no answer for Jackson’s arm, quick decisions, or his ability to exploit defensive lapses. His four touchdown passes went to multiple targets, reflecting his skill in spreading the ball and involving all his playmakers:

• Tylan Wallace pulled down an 84-yard catch-and-run touchdown, a momentum-swinging play that cut the Bengals’ lead in the third quarter.
• Mark Andrews continued to be Jackson’s most trusted red-zone target, catching an 18-yard touchdown that gave Baltimore its first lead.
• Rashod Bateman came up with the biggest catch of the night on Jackson’s game-winning drive, a five-yard touchdown to put Baltimore up 35-28 with less than two minutes left.

Jackson’s season stats now make a compelling case for MVP. Through ten games, he’s completed 199 passes for 2,669 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just two interceptions. His performance against Cincinnati also highlighted his unmatched ability to perform in high-stakes moments.

But Jackson’s MVP argument extends beyond his impressive passing numbers. He continues to be a valuable dual-threat weapon, with a steady ground game that adds a dangerous dimension to the offense.

Baltimore is averaging over 30 points per game, and Jackson’s dynamic skill set is the engine that drives this high-powered offense.

As Jackson’s incredible season unfolds, it’s clear he’s chasing more than just another MVP award. He’s putting himself in the conversation with the NFL’s all-time greats. A third MVP would place Jackson among legends like Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Jim Brown, who defined their eras with their impact on the field.

Lamar Jackson is the best player in the NFL this season, and it's not close.

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