Earlier this season, Lamar Jackson exclaimed the words “not bad for a running back” after putting together a spectacular passing performance for the Baltimore Ravens. Ahead of Sunday's matchup with the San Francisco 49ers, Kyle Shanahan says that Jackson is “a running back when he has the ball.”
“He’s just different in that he’s a running back when he has the ball,” Shanahan said. “You know, the other two guys [Russell Wilson and Kyler Murray], they can make a lot of plays with their legs and stuff, but eventually, they are going to slide and things like that.
“This guy, he’s a running back out there, and a quarterback when he’s throwing, but he can run hard. You’ve got to bring him down. He can take the hits and he also can deliver them.”
Through the first 12 weeks, Jackson has put together a spectacular season with 2,427 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and five interceptions. To go along with his passing numbers, Jackson has gashed opposing defenses for 876 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground.
Unlike most mobile quarterbacks, the Ravens' signal-caller has most of his runs coming from designed plays. When he gets a chance to run the ball, he is looking to create a big play with his running back abilities.
But as many have found out, Jackson is more than just a one-trick pony and he can also dominate you through the air. The 49ers and Shanahan will be the next team to get a chance to slow down Jackson and the Ravens' high-powered offense.
San Francisco's defense is currently ranked No. 1 in terms of yards allowed this season. Something will have to give when the 49ers square off against the Ravens in Week 13.
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