MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — In his first sport in 32 days, quarterback Lamar Jackson instantly returned to his MVP type and offered hope that the Baltimore Ravens can get again into the playoff hunt.
After lacking three video games due to a proper hamstring damage, Jackson threw 4 landing passes in a 28-6 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night time. The Ravens (3-5) have shaken off a 1-5 begin to near inside 1½ video games of the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3).
“He is a two-time MVP for a purpose,” Ravens tight finish Mark Andrews mentioned of Jackson after the sport. “With [No.] 8 main the cost, we’re a harmful group.”
Jackson hadn’t performed since injuring his hamstring Sept. 28 in opposition to the Chiefs in Kansas Metropolis. In his first sport again, he accomplished 78% of his makes an attempt (18 of 23) for 204 yards.
Acknowledging he felt “slightly bit” rusty on the primary drive, Jackson later related with Andrews for landing passes of two and 20 yards and added TD throws to tight finish Charlie Kolar (3 yards) and broad receiver Rashod Bateman (9 yards).
“It is superior,” Jackson mentioned. “I simply wished to get on the market with my guys … it was simply nice to be again and get a W.”
This was additionally a homecoming for Jackson, who grew up in South Florida. Of Jackson’s 13 profession video games with 4 or extra landing passes, three of them have come in opposition to the Dolphins, his most in opposition to any group.
“Everytime you’re away from the sport, you miss it,” Ravens operating again Derrick Henry mentioned. “It was even higher that, when he got here again, it was in his hometown. So, it in all probability gave him slightly extra juice.”
Jackson returned to apply final week as a restricted participant however did not obtain reps with the beginning offense. Within the fast turnaround for the Thursday night time sport, Jackson had just one full apply with the primary group earlier than taking part in the Dolphins.
He did not run typically in opposition to Miami, aside from a 13-yard scramble early within the third quarter, however he confirmed nice mobility within the pocket to keep away from stress. He went 5-of-7 for 71 yards and three touchdowns when beneath duress, that are essentially the most such landing passes by a QB this season, in response to ESPN Analysis.
“I did not have any issues,” Jackson mentioned of his hamstring. “I used to be feeling good on the market.”
With Jackson, the Ravens seemed like a high-powered offense once more. Within the three video games that he missed, Baltimore averaged 14.3 factors. With Jackson this season, the Ravens are averaging 31.8 factors.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh instructed Jackson after the sport that “it has been an extended journey.”
Harbaugh added: “I am happy with the way in which he got here out and performed.”
After tying the worst begin within the franchise’s 30-year historical past, the Ravens have gained two video games in 5 days and have an opportunity to go on a run. Baltimore’s subsequent 4 opponents — on the Vikings and Browns and residential in opposition to the Jets and Bengals — are a mixed 9-22 (.290).
“Having your MVP again,” Kolar mentioned, “it simply brings an entire new stage of confidence within the group.”