In a resounding 34-10 victory in the divisional round, Ravens’ quarterback Lamar Jackson not only provided answers to lingering questions about his playoff prowess but also received substantial support from his team.
Despite a bye week, the Ravens’ formidable defense displayed no signs of rust as they effectively neutralized the sensational rookie quarterback, C.J. Stroud. This triumph propels Baltimore into the AFC Championship Game, awaiting the winner between the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs.
Jackson, who has already achieved numerous accolades in the regular season and is poised for a potential second MVP award, entered the game with a playoff record of 1-3. He aspires to quell any skepticism by securing two more victories in this postseason campaign.
The Ravens witnessed an unprecedented moment in their 28-year history as Lamar Jackson guided them to an AFC Championship Game hosted on their home field. Jackson’s impact was not limited to his throwing arm; he also showcased his prowess with his legs, amassing four touchdowns and 100 rushing yards. This marked the Ravens’ first divisional round triumph since their 2012 Super Bowl campaign.
Jackson’s performance etched his name in NFL history, surpassing Colin Kaepernick with his third 100-yard rushing game in the postseason. Furthermore, he became the fourth player to achieve 100 yards rushing and two touchdown passes in a playoff game, a feat not witnessed since Kaepernick in 2012.
This victory dismantled the narrative surrounding Jackson’s playoff capabilities, dispelling doubts after enduring just one playoff victory in his initial five seasons. The AFC Championship Game being hosted in Baltimore holds historical significance, marking the first time in 53 years since the Baltimore Colts achieved this feat in the 1970 season, representing the longest gap for a city to host a conference championship game.
Ravens’ coach John Harbaugh, with a remarkable record of 18-2 against rookie quarterbacks in Baltimore, witnessed his defense consistently frustrate C.J. Stroud, denying the Texans entry into the end zone for the second time, following their accomplishment in the season opener.
A noteworthy moment occurred when Jackson connected with Nelson Agholor in the second quarter for a touchdown, representing Jackson’s first postseason touchdown pass before the fourth quarter. Prior to this, all three of Jackson’s playoff touchdown passes occurred in the final quarter. The touchdown reception was also Agholor’s first in the playoffs.
An encouraging trend for the Ravens was Jackson’s effective use of his legs, securing his fourth career playoff game with 50-plus rushing yards. This achievement ties him with Steve Young, Russell Wilson, and Kaepernick for the second most by a quarterback since 1950. Notably, Jackson’s 100 rushing yards set a season record for the Texans in allowing yards to a quarterback.
A pivotal play unfolded when Jackson successfully converted a daring fourth-and-1 call at midfield during the third quarter. Running wide left behind offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, Jackson gained 14 yards, sustaining a crucial 12-play, 93-yard drive culminating in his 15-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Likely.
However, a concerning pattern emerged as Steven Sims’ 67-yard punt return for a touchdown in the second quarter marked the third consecutive playoff game where Baltimore conceded a return for a touchdown. This issue surfaced in the 2020 divisional playoff game and recurred in a wild-card game last year against the Cincinnati Bengals.
In summary, Lamar Jackson’s performance, coupled with the Ravens’ resilient defense, has propelled them into a historic AFC Championship Game on their home turf, marking a significant milestone in the franchise’s legacy.