Lamar Jackson’s performance in the AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs left many fans scratching their heads. The typically dynamic quarterback seemed off, and now we know why.
In a recent interview with the Washington Post, Jackson revealed that he was dealing with physical limitations that day, hindering his ability to be the dual-threat weapon he usually is. Despite still managing to rush for 54 yards, Jackson only ran the ball eight times, fumbled once, and was sacked four times. His passing game was also lackluster, with just one touchdown, one interception, and a completion percentage of 54.1.
Reflecting on the game, Jackson expressed his frustration, stating, “How I’m feeling right now, wish I was feeling like this, body wise, in the AFC Championship. We would have won the game. I would have been able to move around for my guys. With me just hurting and can’t move, I know if my legs were good, we would have won that shit. We wouldn’t have even had to throw the ball. F— throwing the ball.”
The question remains: Was Jackson’s compromised physical state the deciding factor in the game? It’s certainly possible that a healthier Jackson could have changed the outcome, but it’s important to acknowledge the talent of the Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes, who has a knack for winning in high-pressure situations.
While Jackson can’t rewrite history, he has a chance for redemption in the upcoming rematch against the Chiefs. A win would not only be sweet revenge but also a statement for Jackson, who is sometimes overshadowed in discussions about the elite quarterbacks in the league.
As the Ravens prepare to face off against the reigning Super Bowl champions, all eyes will be on Lamar Jackson to see if he can lead his team to victory and prove that he belongs among the NFL’s best.