TL;DR
- Baltimore Ravens share AFC North lead with 6-5 record despite recent struggles.
- Lamar Jackson has had three straight games under 200 passing yards.
- Jackson hasn't thrown a touchdown pass in two consecutive games for the first time in six years.
- Injuries, run game issues, dropped passes, and poor pass protection are affecting Jackson's performance.
The Baltimore Ravens are in the midst of an odd dichotomy.
The team's current five-game winning streak has elevated them to a shared first-place position in the AFC North, holding a 6-5 record alongside the Pittsburgh Steelers.
On the bad side, Lamar Jackson hasn't really been playing like Lamar Jackson.
Jackson's performance in Sunday's victory against the New York Jets saw him pass for fewer than 200 yards. This marked his third straight game with under 200 passing yards, a streak not seen in five years, according to ESPN's Jamison Hensley.
Hensley added that it's the first time Jackson has gone two games in a row without a touchdown pass in six years.
The Ravens are winning, but Jackson isn't shining. What's going on?
MORE: There's a Lamar Jackson fantasy football problem
What's ailing Lamar Jackson?
ESPN beat reporter Jamison Hensley lists four things going wrong for Jackson:
- Injuries
- Lack of a run game
- Dropped passes
- Poor pass protection
Jackson sat out earlier this season due to a hamstring issue. He's also missed recent practices because of knee discomfort and an ankle ailment.
"Heading into Sunday, he said injuries haven't affected his performance.," Hensley wrote on Monday. "Offensive coordinator Todd Monken also indicated that his playcalling hasn't been impacted by Jackson's injuries."
If injuries truly haven't been the issue, then the blame falls on Jackson or the remainder of the offensive unit.
While Derrick Henry's recent performance has improved, he's still not operating at his typical dominant level. Furthermore, the offense has been hampered by injuries and a lack of effectiveness in other areas.
If Baltimore keeps winning, that will cover up a lot of the concern. But there's definitely a bit of reason to worry here.
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