Lamar Jackson “Sacrificing His Body For The Team”

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson rushed for over 1,000 yards during Sunday’s win over the Buffalo Bills.

In doing so, Lamar Jackson helped Baltimore to an 11 – 2 record and qualification for the playoffs. 

It’s the explosive play of Lamar Jackson that has confounded and humiliated NFL defences all year. However, it has come at the cost of Jackson taking more hits than a traditional quarterback would.

It appears to be taking its toll, as Jackson is on Baltimore’s injury report this week with a quadriceps issue.

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“I feel great. I feel good. I’m 100 [percent],” Jackson insisted after Tuesday’s practice.

“I’m going to be out there Thursday night.”

Despite this, safety Earl Thomas pleaded with NFL officials to protect Jackson more.

“Every time somebody hits him, like man, he don’t need to be taking those hits,” Thomas said. 

“I think the refs need to pay closer attention to that as well and protect him a little bit more. Because teams are trying to do — I’m not saying they’re trying to hurt Lamar — but they’re definitely going at his legs more than they were doing it at first.”

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“He’s very durable. His toughness — you can’t question it,” Thomas said. 

“He’s taking a lot of hits. He’s sacrificing his body for the team. I respect that.”

Offensive coordinator Greg Roman has built the Ravens offense around Jackson’s unique abilities. Baltimore uses pistol and spread concepts to take advantage of his running power.

As a result, he takes hits when he vacates the pocket to go on a run. The panic that ensues in opposition defenses often results in desperate attempts to stop him. A concern no doubt, but nobody has managed to stop him yet.