The Baltimore Ravens capped off their regular season with a commanding 35-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns, clinching the AFC North title and the third seed for the upcoming playoffs. This decisive win highlighted the remarkable performance of quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is not only helping his team but also making significant strides toward securing the MVP award for the third consecutive year.
Jackson's 2023 season has been nothing short of historic. He became the first player ever to throw for over 4,000 yards and rush for over 900 yards within the same season. Amidst this achievement, the debate surrounding his candidacy for the MVP has gained traction, especially considering the stiff competition he faces from Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
Former Ravens quarterback Robert Griffin III weighed in on the conversation, urging fans and commentators to stop using running back Derrick Henry's presence as evidence against Jackson's MVP prospects. Griffin wrote on social media, "STOP USING DERRICK HENRY TO DISCREDIT LAMAR JACKSON. Henry got hit in the backfield on 50% of his runs last year. This year it’s down to 39%. He has more than doubled his yards before contact and IT'S BECAUSE OF LAMAR JACKSON’s INFLUENCE."
This sentiment was echoed by Henry himself, who humorously clapped back at Griffin for misspelling his name, yet expressed his endorsement for Jackson's MVP candidacy. Griffin's comments shed light on the dynamic between the two athletes; they complement each other on the field. Griffin added, "Lamar has the 2nd highest passer rating in NFL history with 41 passing touchdowns and won the AFC North. He should be the NFL MVP."
Despite having slightly worse overall statistics than the previous year, the Ravens seem more prepared for a Super Bowl run this season. A year ago, Jackson was the team's leading rusher, with running back Gus Edwards finishing just behind him. Recognizing the need for balance, the Ravens acquired Derrick Henry, who has proven to be pivotal. This season, Henry rushed for 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns, marking one of the best performances by a running back in the franchise's history.
Interestingly, the addition of Henry allowed Jackson to showcase another side of his skill set. He achieved personal bests across the board—finishing with 4,172 passing yards, 316 completions on 474 attempts, and a passer rating of 119.3, all of which ranks among the highest ever recorded.
Jackson's impressive season stats highlight his growth as both a player and a leader on the Ravens. Lowering his interception rate this season, Jackson only threw four across all 17 games, illustrating his maturity as he navigated through challenging matchups.
Heading toward the playoffs, the Ravens will face either the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Los Angeles Chargers—two teams they have previously performed well against. Henry is particularly dangerous, having rushed for over 140 yards against the Chargers earlier this season, and consistently performing well against the Steelers. The Ravens appear ready to navigate the playoff gauntlet, potentially needing to outlast the Bills and Chiefs, noted as two of the NFL's premier teams.
With Jackson leading the charge and Henry backing him, the Ravens not only aim for postseason glory but also look to solidify Jackson's legacy as one of the all-time greats. The upcoming playoff performances will significantly impact the MVP race, and the tension between Jackson and Allen will only add to the drama as the postseason progresses.
The Ravens' enhanced teamwork, highlighted by Jackson and Henry's chemistry, positions them strongly as they aim for their ultimate goal: the Super Bowl. Despite all the statistical accolades already bestowed upon him this season, it's within the remaining playoff games where Jackson can etch his name even more firmly at the top of the MVP narrative.