Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh has left fans and analysts speculating whether star quarterback Lamar Jackson will start in the upcoming playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Harbaugh recently stated that he has yet to make a decision regarding Jackson’s participation in the game, which holds no significance for the already crowned AFC North champions. The Ravens secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC with an impressive 56-19 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. While fans eagerly await the announcement, Harbaugh emphasized the importance of assessing Jackson’s health before making a final call.
In 2019, the Ravens faced a similar predicament when they opted to rest Jackson and several other key starters in the regular-season finale. Having secured the top seed in the AFC that year, Harbaugh wanted to ensure his players were fresh for the playoffs. However, this decision seemed to backfire, as the Ravens appeared rusty in a stunning 28-12 divisional-round loss to the Tennessee Titans. Jackson struggled, completing just 52.5% of his passes for 365 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions.
Reflecting on that experience, Harbaugh acknowledged the difficulty in pinpointing the cause of their lackluster performance. He acknowledged the differences in the current team compared to 2019 and stressed that every decision would be made based on the present circumstances. While the past holds valuable lessons, the coach expressed his determination to make the best choices for the team’s success in the postseason.
While the Ravens’ previous playoff loss lingers in the minds of both players and coaching staff, it has provided invaluable lessons that have propelled the team forward. Only nine players from that 2019 roster remain with the Ravens today. However, this collective experience has forged a resilient mindset within the team. Offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley highlighted how the memories of that loss continue to motivate them and serve as a constant reminder of the challenges they must overcome to reach their goals.
Lamar Jackson’s exceptional performances throughout the season have earned him the status of the NFL MVP favorite. His remarkable leadership and skill have guided the Ravens to six consecutive victories and an impressive 13-3 record, securing their place as the top team in the AFC. Jackson’s electrifying playing style and ability to dominate games have made him an icon in Baltimore and a force to be reckoned with across the league.
The Backup Plan: Tyler Huntley
In the event that Jackson is unable to start, the Ravens would likely turn to backup quarterback Tyler Huntley. Though not as experienced as Jackson, Huntley has shown promise in limited appearances this season. Harbaugh and his coaching staff have faith in Huntley’s abilities and would trust him to lead the team if called upon.
As the Ravens prepare for their upcoming playoff game, the focus remains on evaluating Jackson’s health and making the best decision for the team. Harbaugh assured fans and the media that the verdict will be communicated openly once the team begins practicing on Wednesday. Transparency and strategic thinking are the pillars guiding the Ravens’ decision-making process as they navigate the delicate balance between resting key players and maintaining their competitive edge.
The anticipation surrounding Lamar Jackson’s playoff start continues to captivate fans and insiders alike. The Ravens’ previous experience of resting their starters in a similar situation illustrates the challenges and risks involved. However, with the MVP favorite leading the way and the lessons learned from past setbacks, the Baltimore Ravens remain determined to make the best decisions for their playoff journey. Only time will tell if Harbaugh’s decision will pay off and propel the Ravens towards their ultimate goal of a Super Bowl victory.
Leave a Reply