Lamar Jackson is hearing his name mentioned in the MVP conversation, but that doesn’t impress him much.
The Baltimore Ravens star is more interested in making a run for the Lombardi Trophy, and his top-seeded AFC team can take a big step in that direction when the Ravens visit the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday night.
Baltimore (10-3) holds a one-game lead over the Miami Dolphins at the top of the conference. There are nine scenarios in which the Ravens can clinch a playoff spot Sunday should they defeat the Jaguars (8-5).
Many Baltimore players, like linebacker Patrick Queen, are vying for the top seed and a first-round bye, particularly in light of the fact that the Ravens have won three straight games and seven of their last eight.
“We really want it,” Queen declared. “If it’s not successful, we advance to the playoffs. We have not left the room.”
Jackson, who won the 2019 NFL MVP award, is grateful for the recognition for his 2023 campaign, which featured 16 touchdown passes and 2,934 passing yards. In addition, he has five touchdowns and 644 yards on the run.
But Jackson is intent on putting an end to Baltimore’s lack of postseason victories, which dates back to the 2020 campaign.
“It’s an honor just being acknowledged — to be in the conversation with great guys,” Jackson stated. “But I’m just trying to stay locked in trying to win, because I want (the Lombardi) trophy.”
Jackson is coming off a fantastic performance against the Los Angeles Rams last week, going into overtime at home and passing for 316 yards and three touchdowns in addition to picking up 70 rushing yards.
Tylan Wallace’s 76-yard punt return touchdown gave Baltimore the victory in that game. Only because two-time Pro Bowl pick Devin Duvernay had a back injury early in the season was the third-year pro filling in.
Wallace will now be the primary returner for the squad after Duvernay was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday.
Jacksonville will try to snap a two-game losing streak in which it has suffered seven-point losses to the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals.
The Jaguars’ advantage over the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South has shrunk to just one game. However, quarterback Trevor Lawrence of Jacksonville stated he is unconcerned.
Lawrence remarked, “Record-wise, we’re in a great place.” “This week and going ahead, we have business to attend to. We must approach things one week at a time. This week, without a doubt, we must get back on track.”
Lawrence has been recovering from a high ankle sprain he suffered on December 4 against the Bengals. Before playing and having a mixed performance last week against the Browns (257 passing yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions), he was doubtful for the game.
On Wednesday, he practiced nonstop and reported that he is improving.
“It feels better now. Fortunately, I got out of the game very easily,” Lawrence remarked. “I stopped aggravating it further. All I can do is keep getting better every day, and perhaps this week will be even better. One thing that went well on Sunday was that I could move about rather well.”
With 92.2 yards per game of rushing defense, the Jaguars are fourth in the NFL according to containing Jackson.
Jacksonville has two other notable players. With 13.5 sacks, pass rusher Josh Allen is tied for third place in the NFL, and with 138 tackles, linebacker Foyesade Oluokun is ranked second. For the last two seasons, Oluokun has been the league leader in tackles.
With 136 tackles, safety Geno Stone is in second place and linebacker Roquan Smith of the Ravens is tied for third.
Despite suffering a knee injury against the Rams, Baltimore safety Kyle Hamilton participated in limited practice on Wednesday. Smith’s back was also restricted.
Safety Andre Cisco (groin) and cornerback Tyson Campbell (quadriceps) were not in the Jacksonville practice squad. Campbell missed the game against the Browns due to an injury sustained by Cisco.
Last season, the Jaguars defeated the Ravens 28–27 at home in a thrilling game. With 14 seconds remaining, Lawrence hit the now-deceased Marvin Jones for a 10-yard scoring throw. Zay Jones then converted a two-point play to win the game.
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