HOUSTON (AP) — Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson made history on Wednesday night by breaking Michael Vick's all-time rushing record for quarterbacks during his team’s 31-2 victory over the Houston Texans. With this milestone, Jackson now sits at the pinnacle of quarterback rushing yardage, having accumulated 6,110 yards throughout his young but remarkable career.
Jackson surpassed Vick’s record on a 6-yard run with 7:16 left in the third quarter, solidifying his legacy as one of the NFL's most dynamic players. Coming off the field with 87 rushing yards at the moment of the record-setting run, he edged past Vick's previous mark of 6,109, which Vick had set during his illustrious 13-year career.
Wednesday's game was not just about breaking records. It was also pivotal for the Ravens as they aimed to strengthen their playoff positioning. The victory propelled Baltimore’s record to 11-5, ensuring their third consecutive playoff berth. Jackson's performance was impressive: he also threw for 168 yards and two touchdowns.
From the beginning of the game, Jackson showcased his dual-threat capabilities. He connected on touchdown passes of 9 and 1 yards, and executed a dazzling 48-yard touchdown run, keeping the Ravens firmly in the driver’s seat. Such plays helped to build the Ravens' substantial lead of 31-2, allowing veteran backup Josh Johnson to see the field for the final stretch of the game.
Jackson's latest accomplishment serves to bolster his case as one of the front-runners for this year’s NFL MVP award, following previous wins of the accolade in both 2019 and 2020. His ability to combine passing precision and running ability has set him apart from peers, making him one of the most electrifying players to watch.
Despite his excellence on the field, Jackson has consistently emphasized his focus lies not on personal achievements like records, but on winning championships. “I’m trying to get a Super Bowl,” he remarked on "The Lounge" podcast earlier this season. “If the record happens, so be it. But that's not my goal.” Such statements reflect Jackson's team-centric mentality, keeping his priorities straight as he eyes a deep playoff run.
The game was defined not only by Jackson but also marked by the Ravens' consistent dominance over the Texans, who struggled significantly without their star receiver, Tank Dell, due to injury. Houston could only muster limited offensive success, with their only points coming from a safety, which reflected their inability to finish drives effectively.
On the defensive side for the Ravens, linebacker Kyle Hamilton made significant contributions by intercepting Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud on his first drive of the second half, leading directly to Jackson's record-setting touchdown run.
Jackson has also established other records during his career, including holding the most 100-yard rushing games by any quarterback with 14, along with numerous single-season rushing records for quarterbacks. His average of 59.6 rushing yards per game remains the highest ever recorded among quarterbacks, underscoring his unique skill set and playing style.
With his incredible talent and work ethic, Lamar Jackson continues to rewrite the record books, and there’s no telling how much more he might achieve as he extends his career. The confidence he exudes on the field not only makes him invaluable to the Ravens but also keeps fans excited about what else is to come.
Looking toward the future, the Ravens are setting their eyes on next week's important match against the Cleveland Browns. This matchup is pivotal not only for the team’s aspirations for the division title but also for Jackson, who aims to solidify his standing as the league’s top quarterback and perhaps secure another opportunity for postseason glory.
Jackson’s historical performance against the Texans reaffirms not only his position as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher among quarterbacks but also highlights the exhilarating nature of his playing style and the significant impact he has on the Baltimore Ravens and the league at large.
