Opinion: Why Lamar Jackson is a huge difference maker for the Ravens

Lamar Jackson (Darron Cummings, Google Images)

It has been a rather tough season for the Baltimore Ravens. After qualifying for the 2025 AFC Conference Championship, there were expectations that Baltimore would contend for an AFC North Division title once again this season. Things have not gone according to plan for Baltimore in 2025.

There is no doubt that the face of the Ravens franchise is quarterback Lamar Jackson of Pompano Beach, Florida. However, he has had injury troubles this season. In week four against the Kansas City Chiefs, Jackson left the game with an injured hamstring. Baltimore went on to lose 37-20. 

In the next two games thereafter, the Ravens offense was completely out of sync. They were clobbered 44-10 to the Houston Texans, and then were beaten 17-3 to the Los Angeles Rams. Baltimore did get things together in week eight, thanks to a strong running game led by Derrick Henry as Baltimore beat Chicago 30-16.

After week seven, the Ravens were in an unfamiliar spot. They were last in the AFC North at one win and five losses. Heading into Thursday’s game, we saw the return of Jackson for the first time in a month, and he was simply electrifying. He had four touchdown passes as the Ravens clobbered the Miami Dolphins 28-3. There is no doubt that Jackson is the face of the Ravens franchise. He not only has a great running ability, but is also making great decisions when passing the football. It will be interesting to see if the Ravens will be able to turn things around this season with Jackson back. I think they will.