The Denver Broncos face the Baltimore Ravens this weekend in a key AFC matchup.
The Ravens began getting several key players back during the week including two key pass-catchers for their quarterback Lamar Jackson.
The Ravens seem to be getting right, at the right time. https://t.co/VqYza5Dwqe
— Dr. Nicholas Manning (@Dr_NManning) September 29, 2021
However, the dynamic Jackson’s status is now in doubt as he deals with a back injury.
Lamar Jackson (back soreness) not practicing for second straight day.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) September 30, 2021
Jackson suffered the injury during the Ravens nail-biting 19-17 win against the Detroit Lions. The Lions sacked Jackson four times this past weekend. Detroit also hit him on five additional throwing attempts, and he was stopped on seven carries running the ball.
The former NFL MVP Jackson is the stir at straws the drink for the Ravens as the dual-threat quarterback leads the Ravens in passing and rushing.
With Jackson at the helm, the Ravens lead the NFL in rushing yards per game with 185.3 rushing yards per game, fourth overall in yards per game with 474.7 per contest, and are 11th points per game with 27.3.
With Jackson, the Ravens could have a tough time moving the ball on one of the NFL’s premier defenses. Without Jackson, the Ravens will be significantly hampered in the upcoming matchup without their best player.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has a critical decision to make. Jackson’s injury must be significant enough to need rest ahead of a game that could determine seeding in the postseason.
If the injury lingers, should Harbaugh sit his star, or is this game too important to the standings? Though Jackson’s status is unclear, it will be the most important injury-related news of the weekend across the league.
Odds are Jackson will play this weekend, but if he does how effective will he be? Though Jackson is a quality passer, his running prowess makes him special. Without his ability to run, the Broncos should be able to confuse the Ravens’ quarterback in basic drop-back scenarios.
The Broncos currently rank first in PPG and second defensively in rushing yards allowed per game. Without Jackson being able to threaten them with his legs the Ravens will struggle to stress the Broncos on the ground.
In the end, a healthy Jackson is pivotal for the Ravens offense this week (or any week for that matter). The Broncos provide a complete defensive scheme the Ravens have yet to face and need the face of their franchise on the field to have a shot this weekend.