In Week 2 of the 2023 season, the Baltimore Ravens (2-0) visited the Cincinnati Bengals (0-2) and defeated their foes 27-24 to take possession of the no. 1 spot in the AFC North (and nearly clinch the playoffs already) while dropping the Cats to the last place.
Leading the Ravens was none other than Lamar Jackson. The Bengals' defense struggled to anticipate the Ravens' moves as Lamar delivered a pair of touchdown passes and amassed an impressive number of rushing yards to almost lead the backfield.
Adding to the Bengals' woes, Joe Burrow aggravated a calf injury (or so he says) that had already hindered his performance. That, and more, as we go on to name the winners and losers from the Week 2 divisional victory of the Ravens over the Bengals on Sunday.
Winner: Lamar Jackson, who owns the Bengals
The Ravens already had an efficient Lamar Jackson leading Baltimore's Week 1 effort against the Texans.
Back then, Jackson completed 17-of-22 passes for 169 yards with no touchdowns against one interception. He rushed the ball six times for 38 yards. That was good, but definitely not great.
This weekend, against a much stronger opponent labeled the AFC North favorite by many, Jackson put on an absolute show. The Ravens quarterback finished Week 2 with 54 rushing yards on 12 carries nearly leading the backfield of the Flock.
Two thoughts:
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) September 17, 2023
1) Lamar Jackson’s arm strength is underrated.
2) I can’t believe the NFL let Zay Flowers fall to No. 22. pic.twitter.com/QtCAFbCHXO
Jackson completed 24-of-33 passes, reached 237 yards, threw no picks at all, and hit Nelson Agholor and Mark Andrews for two touchdowns on the day to earn a passer rating of 112.8 and an 82.4 QBR.
Lamar commanded five scoring drives, and he started as strong as he finished with a game-opening drive that put Cincinnati on notice and a final scramble that clinched a first down and the W for the Ravens.
Jackson is now 5-1 in games started against the Bengals.