OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson returned to practice Thursday, surprised to learn he has already been sacked 23 times this season. That’s the same number he faced last year but in just seven games, compared to 17 last season. “I got to talk to the offensive line about that,” he said with a raised eyebrow.
Jackson’s situation highlights a growing issue for the Ravens this season. He’s been sidelined for three games due to a hamstring injury, yet still ranks among the top in the league for sacks. Last season, he was sacked 23 times but ranked 26th among quarterbacks overall. This season, despite limited playtime, he’s sitting at eighth most sacks.
In addition to his struggles with sacks, Jackson has faced injuries this year. He sat out Wednesday’s practice due to an ankle issue but returned fully on Thursday. Just last week, he missed practice for knee soreness. Jackson noted that taking Wednesdays off might become his routine. “We’ll see how it goes,” he said.
Since taking over as the Ravens’ starting quarterback in 2018, Jackson has been hit over 1,300 times, which is the highest in the league. When asked if he’s learning to manage his body as he ages, he responded, “I don’t think I’m old at all right now. Not that old.” He turns 29 in January.
Despite the Ravens currently having a four-game winning streak, Jackson’s performance has not been stellar. In recent games against Minnesota and Cleveland, he completed just 57.4% of his passes with an average of 184.5 yards. He did not throw any touchdown passes in a 23-16 victory over the Browns, marking a challenging outing with two interceptions.
Injuries can play a significant role in a player’s performance. Recent studies show that athletes can often struggle to return to form after injuries, especially in contact sports like football. Jackson insists that injuries have not impacted him significantly, stating, “If you were injured, took some time off and you were able to come back, I doubt it.”
As he continues to navigate this season, Jackson will need to work closely with the offensive line to reduce those sack numbers and keep his body in check. With the playoffs in sight, improving his game could be crucial for the Ravens’ success.
For more insights on player health and performance in the NFL, you can check out resources like the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, which offers valuable data and studies.
