Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson starts off the 2020 season the same way he did in 2019. With yet another dominant performance in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns, Jackson earns our “Player of the Game” honors.
Jackson lived up to his MVP standards in this game, getting off to a quick start against Cleveland’s depleted secondary. By halftime, Jackson had completed 81.3% of his 16 attempts for 208 yards and two touchdowns, giving him a perfect 158.3 passer rating. Jackson was extremely balanced in his attack in the first half, finding 6 different receivers.
Unfortunately for the Browns, Jackson was far from finished. He took advantage of great field position at the 50-yard line early in the third quarter completing three passes, including a 21-yard completion to tight end Mark Andrews, before finding wide receiver Willie Snead on a 19-yard touchdown on 3rd-and-4.
While there was much discussion about just how often Jackson would run this season, it ended up being a continuation of the norm for the third-year quarterback. Despite saying this offseason that he’d instead rely on his stable of running backs to carry the load, Jackson tied rookie J.K. Dobbins for the second-most carries on the team. However, Jackson was effective with his legs, extending plays, avoiding pressure, and picking up key first downs to the tune of 45 rushing yards on seven attempts.
Aided by the defense’s dominant performance, Jackson ultimately was able to exit this game early with things well wrapped up ahead of the final whistle. He finished with 275 passing yards, three touchdown throws, and no interceptions on 25 attempts. While he wasn’t perfect, Jackson showed poise under pressure and improved accuracy down the field, something he said he worked on this offseason.
The potential for back-to-back MVP awards turned from aspiration into a legitimate chance with his Week 1 performance. It’s a long rest of the season but Jackson’s dominance over the Browns is an encouraging sign for both Baltimore and its franchise quarterback.
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