In his first career start, Baltimore Ravens rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson helped guide his team to a 24-21 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday afternoon.
It was a performance that saw him run the ball 27 times for a team-best 117 yards in the contest, which made him the quarterback in league history to notch more than 100 rushing yards in their first career start. Following the game, Jackson voiced that he didn't think he was going to run the ball as much as he did in the contest, according to Mark Maske of The Washington Post.
“I didn’t envision the game being that close. … I didn’t think I’d run the ball that much,” Jackson said. “But whatever it takes to win.”
Jackson's impact was largely dictated by the use of his legs as his mobility gave the Bengals defense fits all game long as they were unable to contain him. It is a unique part of his skill set that has helped him become an even more dynamic game-changing factor under center. In fact, his 27 rushing attempts were the most by a quarterback since at least 1999, according to Field Yates of ESPN.
If Joe Flacco continues to be hampered by his hip injury, it could see Jackson continue to get the call as the team may lean on him to make plays with his legs. However, it is an aspect of his game that should be utilized more precisely and timely as quarterbacks who typically operate primarily through the use of their legs as their primary weapon don't have a long shelf life in the NFL.
This is likely something that the Ravens will monitor moving forward, but it shouldn't take away from what was a strong start to his NFL career in his first start that has helped his team get back on the right track.
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