Tag: Lamar Jackson

Panthers QB Bryce Young sits alongside 2024 MVP candidates in this stat . . .

Panthers QB Bryce Young, since returning to the starting lineup three weeks ago, has something in common with MVP front-runners Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen.

Hey, look at Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young with 2024 Most Valuable Player front-runners Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen.

Who would have thought?

Not us.

Since returning to the starting lineup three weeks ago, Young has inspired at least a sprinkle of hope for the Panthers. The much-improved version of last year’s No. 1 overall pick has completed 62.5 percent of his passes for 521 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions while helping lead Carolina to a 2-1 mark.

He’s also, perhaps more impressively, done this . . .

The first of those drives came near the end of the Week 8 loss to the Denver Broncos. Young orchestrated a 10-play, 98-yard possession that finished up with a 15-play touchdown throw to rookie wideout Jalen Coker.

The second happened this past Sunday, in the first quarter of the 20-17 victory over the New York Giants. That one was punctuated by a 5-yard connection between Young and rookie tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders for the opening points of the contest.

As of this writing, Carolina head coach Dave Canales still has yet to commit to Young as the starter moving forward.

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Mike Tomlin overlooked ex-Steeler Diontae Johnson for the Ravens’ real playmakers

Mike Tomlin wasn’t roasting Diontae Johnson. He was just stating a fact.

I know we live in a hyper-competitive society that yearns for morsels of drama and pettiness the same way a humble dog begs for dry, probably tasteless kibble when dinner is approximately two minutes late, but let’s not turn Mike Tomlin’s recent comments about former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Diontae Johnson into something they’re not.

Let’s be better than that.

On Tuesday, with the Steelers set to host the rival Baltimore Ravens in a battle for AFC North supremacy this Sunday, Tomlin was asked for his thoughts about game-planning for Johnson now that he plays in Baltimore.

Tomlin answered the question very matter-of-factly. He’s not thinking much about Johnson, if at all. Why? First of all, he’s not trying to roast the veteran because he used to coach him. It’s just that the Ravens have two MVP candidates (reigning MVP Lamar Jackson and superstar running back Derrick Henry) along with explosive receiver Zay Flowers, among others.

Johnson has caught one pass for six yards in two games since getting traded to the Ravens at midseason. Why on Earth would Tomlin devote any notable energy to him right now with arguably the greatest backfield in NFL history awaiting the Pittsburgh defense?

Asking Tomlin whether he’s worried about the Ravens’ seventh-best playmaker is the equivalent of asking an opposing head coach if they’re worried about the New England Patriots’ third-string tight end with prime Tom Brady and Randy Moss coming to town. It’s like asking someone if they’re thinking about the Chicago Bulls’ 10th man in their rotation as Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen bear down on them.

And of course everyone immediately reads into Tomlin dismissing Johnson’s skill-set as some matter of petty disrespect only because he used to play for him. What? C’mon now. The man is simply being honest.

You (a royal you) should know better than that.

NFL Network analyst breaks down Patrick Queen’s performance in Week 10

Patrick Queen’s dominant Week 10 performance, highlighted by Brian Baldinger, showcased his elite skills and playmaking ability.

The Patrick Queen redemption tour seemingly started to take shape in the Steelers’ Week 10 contest against the Washington Commanders.

While the Steelers’ initial acquisition of Queen this past offseason was met with excitement from fans and players alike, his performance through the first eight weeks of the season had been inconsistent, to say the least.

However, Queen’s elite Week 10 performance caught the attention of fans and analysts alike, as NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger, host of Baldy’s Breakdowns, highlighted what made Queen so special against Washington on Sunday.

Wherever the ball went, more often than not, Queen was following. His speed and spectacular tackling ability were evident on several key tackles on Washington’s QB Jayden Daniels, WR Terry McLaurin, and RB Austin Ekeler.

Queen’s play recognition will surely be of great use in the team’s Week 11 contest against the Baltimore Ravens, where the Steelers will need every physical and mental ability sharply tuned to stop his former teammate, QB Lamar Jackson, from taking over the game.

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Falcons sign cornerback who had brief stint with Broncos

The Falcons signed ex-Broncos cornerback Lamar Jackson to their practice squad ahead of Sunday’s game in Denver.

The Atlanta Falcons are signing a former Denver Broncos cornerback to their practice squad ahead of their game in Denver this week.

Atlanta has signed cornerback Lamar Jackson (not to be confused with the quarterback Lamar Jackson), via Matt Urben of Falcons Wire. It’s probably not a signing made to gain intel on their opponent because Jackson hasn’t played with the Broncos since 2022, and the team’s staff and scheme have changed over the last two years.

Jackson, 26, initially joined Denver’s practice squad in 2022 before later being promoted to the active roster. He dressed for three games with the Broncos and totaled three tackles. Jackson has recorded 31 tackles and four pass breakups in 23 career games (six starts) in the NFL.

Elsewhere on the ex-Bronco front, the New Orleans Saints released offensive lineman Connor McGovern on Monday, and the Miami Dolphins activated wide receiver River Cracraft from injured reserve. McGovern (2016-2019) and Cracraft (2017-2019) started their NFL careers in Denver.

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Falcons sign former Broncos cornerback to practice squad

The Falcons have signed former Broncos cornerback Lamar Jackson to practice squad

The Atlanta Falcons have filled their last practice squad vacancy, signing cornerback Lamar Jackson on Monday. The 26-year-old entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2020 and has appeared in 23 games for four NFL teams, including the Denver Broncos.

Jackson started six games for the New York Jets in 2020 but his playing time has decreased each year since. The former Nebraska defensive back Jackson has recorded 31 tackles (29 solo) and four passes defended over his four seasons in the league.

He last played for the Carolina Panthers in 2023, appearing in just one game.

The Falcons are coming off a three-point loss to the New Orleans Saints and will look to get back on track against Jackson’s old team in Week 11. Atlanta will travel to Denver to battle the Broncos this Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET.

Denver nearly knocked off the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 10 but had a field goal blocked as time expired. The Falcons are dealing with some special teams woes of their own. The team missed three field goals in Sunday’s loss to the Saints.

Check out Atlanta’s updated 53-man roster and practice squad entering Week 11.

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Ravens open as slight road favorite vs. Steelers in Week 11

The Baltimore Ravens will open as three points favorites against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 11

The AFC North appears to be a two-team race in 2024, and the first of two regular-season matchups between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers are upon us.

There are storylines galore with Mike Tomlin vs. John Harbaugh, Russell Wilson vs. Lamar Jackson, and Patrick Queen facing his former squad for the first time.

BETMGM has revealed their early betting lines and the Ravens are 3-point favorites at Acrisure Stadium

Moneyline (ML)

  • Ravens -185
  • Steelers +140 (bet $140 to win $100)

Against the spread (ATS)

  • Steelers +3 (-110)
  • Ravens -3 (-110)

Over/Under (O/U)

  • 47.5 (O: -105 U: -115)

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Steelers HC Mike Tomlin pushes back on comparing rookie QB Jayden Daniels to Lamar Jackson: ‘That’s a multi-time MVP’

Steelers HC Mike Tomlin pushes back on comparing rookie QB Jayden Daniels to Lamar Jackson: ‘That’s a multi-time MVP’

The 7-3 Baltimore Ravens will face their arch-rivals, the 7-2 Pittsburgh Steelers, in Week 11, with first place in the AFC North on the line.

After the Steelers defeated the Washington Commanders in Week 10, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was asked about the similarities between Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.

“Man, be real slow comparing people to Lamar Jackson,” Tomlin said. “That’s a multi-time MVP. That’s Mr. Jackson. We’ll see Mr. Jackson in a few days.“

Daniels is in the middle of an incredible rookie campaign, but Jackson is currently on pace to win his third MVP award while producing one of the best seasons ever seen at the quarterback position. Funnily enough, Tomlin is one of the few coaches to have success against Jackson throughout his career, although the two have met far fewer times than you may think, given Jackson’s time in the league.

Despite being in the same division, Jackson has only played in six games against Pittsburgh, winning only two while throwing four and seven touchdowns. Jackson was let down by his pass catchers in a Week 5 17-10 loss to the Steelers last season but has otherwise not played his best football against Tomlin’s squad.

Jackson has the chance to get the monkey off his back this Sunday, but Pittsburgh’s defense, led by superstar edge rusher T.J. Watt, will look to do what no other team has been able to so far: slow down the NFL’s best offense.

Marlon Humphrey is Mega Man, Ravens overcome Bengals 35-34

Baltimore Ravens DB Marlon Humphrey deserves credit for the forced fumble that ignited a team comeback on Thursday Night Football.

Baltimore Ravens defensive back Marlon Humphrey deserves credit for forcing the third-quarter fumble that ignited the 35-34 comeback win versus the Cincinnati Bengals last night.

The boo birds were flocking at M&T Bank Stadium, and the Ravens trailed 21-7 with 7:00 minutes to go in the third quarter. With things seeming bleak, Humphrey had to rely on charisma and awareness, intangible assets that motivated him to try for the strip on running back Chase Brown.

Linebacker Roquan Smith pounced on the fumble, allowing the Ravens to take over in plus territory and begin their climb back into the game.

Humphrey’s energetic play makes me wonder: What was Smith relaying to the team inside the defensive huddle, considering the deficit? Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was operating exceptionally, yet Humphrey’s focus during the second half never wavered, even with all-pro wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase putting up numbers.

Remember, Humphrey also recorded a key interception versus the Bengals in week five, and though Chase scorched him in both games, he continues to make critical plays. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr will eventually sow up the breaches in the secondary, but he’ll rely on Humphrey to lead the pack as the season progresses. 

Top photos from the Ravens 35-34 win over the Bengals on Thursday Night Football

Top photos from the Ravens 35-34 win over the Bengals on Thursday Night Football

Underused pass catcher Tylan Wallace had three catches for 115 yards (38.3 avg) and one touchdown, including an 84-yard catch and run that resulted in Lamar Jackson’s longest touchdown pass of his career, as Baltimore held on for a 35-34 win at home on Thursday night. Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase almost spoiled the Purple Rising party, as the former LSU star logged 11 catches on 17 targets for 264 yards (26.4 average) and three touchdowns, with a long of 70 yards for a touchdown.

In another near-perfect performance, Jackson was 25-33 passing for 290 yards (8.8 avg), four touchdowns, zero interceptions, and a 141.4 rating. His AFC North rival, Joe Burrow, did his part for the Bengals, hanging in the pocket as he went 34-56 passing for 428 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions.

The Ravens defense allowed 470 yards, as Cincinnati was 8-16 on third downs.   Baltimore was sloppy on the night, with 11 penalties for 81 yards.

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Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Lamar Jackson monster stats in Bengals-Ravens 2024 season series

Stunning stats put up by superstars in Ravens-Bengals games in 2024

The Baltimore Ravens outscored the Cincinnati Bengals 76-72 in sweeping the season series in 2024.

The games provided quite the showcase for the teams’ stars.

  • Joe Burrow: 61-of-95 passing, 820 yards, nine touchdowns.
  • Ja’Marr Chase: 21 receptions, 457 receiving yards, six touchdowns
  • Lamar Jackson:  51-of-74 passing,   638 yards, eight touchdowns, 88 rushing yards

The Ravens accounted for 909 yards of total offense in the sweep. The Bengals had 912 yards.

The Bengals lost two fumbles, one in each game. Jackson threw one pick in the game in October.