Lamar Jackson's Struggles Highlighted in Loss by the Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens’ 27-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday wasn’t just a setback in their AFC North title chase—it was a game that laid bare Lamar Jackson’s most glaring struggles, turning what should have been a divisional showdown into a showcase of the quarterback’s uncharacteristic inconsistencies. Jackson, the 2019 NFL MVP and the Ravens’ offensive engine, failed to replicate his usual dynamic play, making costly mistakes and struggling to adapt to the Bengals’ defensive scheme. For a Ravens team that has leaned on Jackson’s dual-threat ability for years, this performance raised questions about his ability to lead the team through high-pressure moments—and whether the offense needs a significant adjustment to get back on track. Lamar Jackson's Struggles Highlighted in Loss by the Baltimore Ravens breaks down the key issues that plagued Jackson and how they contributed to the Ravens’ defeat.

Jackson’s passing struggles were the most obvious red flag, as he looked hesitant and inaccurate for much of the game. He finished 18 of 32 for 194 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions—his first multi-interception game since Week 10 of last season. The first interception came in the second quarter, when Jackson tried to force a deep pass to wide receiver Zay Flowers while under pressure, only to have Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt step in front of the throw and return it 23 yards to the Ravens’ 10-yard line. The Bengals scored a touchdown two plays later, giving them a 14-7 lead they never surrendered. Jackson’s second interception came in the fourth quarter, with the Ravens trailing by 10 points; he overthrew tight end Mark Andrews in the end zone, and safety Dax Hill made a diving catch to seal the game. “Lamar looked like he was forcing plays instead of letting them develop,” said a former NFL quarterback who analyzed the game. “He’s usually so good at reading defenses, but today he was locked in on one receiver too often, and the Bengals exploited that.” Lamar Jackson's Struggles Highlighted in Loss by the Baltimore Ravens emphasizes that Jackson’s passing inaccuracy and poor decision-making were the primary drivers of the Ravens’ offensive struggles.

Equally concerning was Jackson’s inability to use his legs to change the game—a strength that has defined his career. Entering the game, Jackson had rushed for 784 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. But against the Bengals, he was held to just 29 yards on 10 carries (2.9 yards per carry), with his longest run of the day being only 8 yards. The Bengals’ defensive game plan was clear: they stacked the box with extra linebackers, used edge rushers to force Jackson to step up in the pocket, and had defensive backs ready to tackle him if he tried to scramble. On several plays, Jackson looked to run but hesitated, allowing Bengals defenders to close in and bring him down for minimal gain. “The Bengals took away Lamar’s running ability, and that’s like taking away half the Ravens’ offense,” said a local Baltimore sports radio host. “When Lamar can’t run, he has to win with his arm, and today he wasn’t able to do that. That’s a problem for a team that builds its offense around his dual-threat skills.” Lamar Jackson's Struggles Highlighted in Loss by the Baltimore Ravens highlights that Jackson’s limited mobility stripped the Ravens of their most dangerous offensive weapon, leaving them with a one-dimensional attack.

The Baltimore Ravens’ offensive line also failed to support Jackson, exacerbating his struggles throughout the game. The line allowed four sacks and six quarterback hits, with Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson dominating right tackle Morgan Moses, recording two sacks and three pressures. On multiple occasions, Jackson was forced to step up in the pocket or scramble earlier than he wanted, disrupting his rhythm and forcing him to make throws on the run. “The offensive line didn’t give Lamar a chance to settle in,” said the former NFL quarterback. “He was under pressure on almost every passing play, and when you’re looking over your shoulder, it’s hard to make good decisions.” The line also struggled in the running game, failing to open consistent holes for Jackson and running back Gus Edwards (who finished with 45 yards on 12 carries). For the Baltimore Ravens, the offensive line’s poor performance is a longstanding issue that has resurfaced at the worst possible time—with the team fighting for a top seed in the AFC playoffs. Lamar Jackson's Struggles Highlighted in Loss by the Baltimore Ravens shows that the Baltimore Ravens’ inability to protect Jackson or create running lanes made it nearly impossible for him to overcome his own inconsistencies.

Another factor that amplified Jackson’s struggles was the Baltimore Ravens’ lack of offensive diversity. The Ravens relied heavily on the passing game early, abandoning the running game even when Jackson was struggling to find open receivers. They called 32 passing plays compared to just 22 running plays, a departure from their usual balanced approach (they entered the game averaging 28.5 running plays per game). This one-dimensional strategy played right into the Bengals’ hands, as Cincinnati’s defense was able to focus solely on stopping the pass. “The Ravens should have leaned on the run more, even if Lamar wasn’t getting big gains,” said the sports radio host. “They needed to control the clock, keep the Bengals’ offense off the field, and give Lamar a chance to settle down. Instead, they kept throwing, and Lamar kept forcing plays.” The Baltimore Ravens also failed to use their tight ends effectively; Andrews, who entered the game with 63 catches for 745 yards, was held to just three catches for 29 yards, as the Bengals used double teams to limit his impact. Lamar Jackson's Struggles Highlighted in Loss by the Baltimore Ravens underscores that the Baltimore Ravens’ rigid offensive game plan left Jackson with few options to succeed, making his struggles more pronounced.

Finally, Jackson’s leadership and composure down the stretch raised questions about his ability to lead the Baltimore Ravens through adversity. In the fourth quarter, with the Ravens trailing by 10 points and needing a touchdown to stay in the game, Jackson appeared frustrated and rushed his decisions. On one play, he yelled at his offensive line after being sacked, and on another, he argued with a referee about a holding call—moments that suggested he was letting the game’s pressure get to him. “Lamar is usually so calm under pressure, but today you could see he was frustrated,” said a Ravens team insider. “He’s the face of the franchise, and when he’s not composed, it affects the entire team. The offense looked disjointed in the fourth quarter, and that starts with the quarterback.” For the Baltimore Ravens, Jackson’s composure issues are a rare sight—he’s built a reputation as a clutch performer—but Sunday’s game showed that even the best players can struggle when things aren’t going their way. Lamar Jackson's Struggles Highlighted in Loss by the Baltimore Ravens concludes that the Baltimore Ravens’ loss was a wake-up call for Jackson and the team. While one bad game doesn’t define a career, it 暴露了 issues that need to be fixed—from offensive line protection to game planning—if the Ravens hope to make a deep playoff run. For Jackson, it’s an opportunity to learn, adjust, and remind everyone why he’s one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL. For the Ravens, it’s a chance to rebuild their offensive identity and ensure that Jackson has the support he needs to succeed.