Baltimore Ravens’ rookie QB Lamar Jackson got his first NFL start last Sunday and ended up leading his team to a win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Jackson will now get a chance to try and get his second NFL win because the Ravens’ coach John Harbaugh announced on Friday that the 21-year-old would be the team’s starting QB this week as well.
“I’m counting on Lamar being the starter for this game,” – said Harbaugh. “I think that’s pretty straightforward.”
This decision to be “straightforward” is opposite to the tactic organization used last week when it became clear that their starting QB Joe Flacco might not be able to play due to a right hip injury. The Ravens declined to commit to a starter until the very last minute when the decision was made to start Lamar Jackson, the team’s No. 32 overall pick in 2018 Draft.
Against the Bengals, Jackson relied more on his legs than his throwing abilities, rushing for 119 yards and becoming the first QB in Super Bowl era to ran the ball 27 times. He also completed 15 out of 19 passes attempted for 150 yards and an interception.
Learning that they can get a win with Lamar Jackson probably prompted the Baltimore Ravens to take a more cautious approach with Joe Flacco and his return to the field. Harbaugh said last week that Flacco might play even if he doesn’t practice, but has now changed his mind.
“At this point now, Joe would have to practice to be ready to go,” – he said. “And he was not able to practice this week.“
