Lamar Jackson's Christmas Day was marked by record-breaking accomplishments and unfortunate decisions as the Baltimore Ravens crushed the Houston Texans 31-2, tightening their grip on the AFC North title race.
Jackson showcased his remarkable skills once again, completing 10 of 15 passes for 168 yards, with two touchdown passes and another significant touchdown run of 48 yards. This performance propelled him to break Michael Vick's longstanding record for the most career rushing yards by a quarterback. Jackson's rushing total now stands at 6,110 yards, surpassing Vick's 6,109 yards set during his NFL career. "I'm grateful, man," said Jackson, reflecting on achieving this milestone. "That's a record that's been there forever, for a long time. Michael Vick, one of my favorite players, it's just dope."
The victory was the Ravens' 11th of the season, and with it, they reclaimed the top spot in the division, highlighting their potential for playoff success. Following the game, Jackson noted his responsibilities as the team's leader, even apologizing for allowing the Texans to score, saying, “I take full responsibility for the safety.” Despite this, the Ravens' defense had a stellar outing.
But perhaps the most startling aspect of Jackson's day was what he missed: the halftime show featuring pop icon Beyoncé. Leading up to the game, Jackson had humorously stated his intention to sneak out of the locker room during halftime to catch Beyoncé's performance. "First time seeing Beyoncé perform and it's at our game?! That's dope," he remarked earlier, before playfully offering apologies to his head coach John Harbaugh. Though Jackson had the momentum to make this leap during halftime, he remained with his teammates instead and later insisted, "I was locked in," admitting he could hear her performing from the locker room.
Beyoncé dazzled audiences at NRG Stadium with vibrant performances of her new album tracks, including surprise guests like Post Malone and her daughter Blue Ivy. While millions tuned in to watch her enchanting holiday show, Jackson focused solely on his game, contributing to the Ravens' victory and solidifying his MVP campaign.
Although the Ravens were leading comfortably at halftime with the score at 17-2—marking the first 17-2 halftime score in NFL history—Jackson diligently chose to focus on the upcoming second-half performance rather than the show being held outside the locker room. His decision speaks volumes about his commitment and leadership qualities as the Ravens' star quarterback.
This recent game added another layer to the MVP narrative, as Jackson has been making waves statistically this season. His passer rating currently hovers around 121.6, tantalizingly close to breaking Aaron Rodgers’ NFL single-season record of 122.5. Meanwhile, voters have also paid attention to the formidable skills of quarterback Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills, whose performance is also being hailed as deserving of the prestigious MVP award.
Statistics indicate Jackson leads Allen with more rushing yards, passing yards, passer rating, and passing touchdowns, though Allen boasts more rushing touchdowns. This tight race has sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike as they analyze what could be one of the most intriguing MVP competitions seen in years.
Jackson's performance, coupled with the Ravens’ remarkable run this season, has put them firmly on the map as potential Super Bowl contenders. With their playoff hopes resting on upcoming games, Jackson’s prowess on the field remains at the forefront of supporters' minds. His talent, paired with the excitement surrounding his leading performance against the Texans, promises to keep fans captivated as the postseason draws near.
For Jackson, the inability to catch Beyoncé's live performance might sting—for now. Yet, with upcoming opportunities on the horizon potentially available for him to see her perform live, he might just have another chance to combine his two passions: football and music.
