'Like LeBron,' 'MVP': Ravens laud Lamar Jackson after 5-TD night
TAMPA, Fla. — Lamar Jackson has made a strong case for his third NFL MVP award, proving himself a true triple threat. In Monday night's 41-31 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jackson not only threw five touchdown passes and rushed for 52 yards but also demonstrated a new skill—lead blocking. With the Baltimore Ravens up 34-18 in the fourth quarter, Jackson cleared the way for Derrick Henry, pushing All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. aside to help Henry gain 39 yards.
"Lamar is the ultimate competitor," said Ravens tight end Mark Andrews. "He gives everything every game. He's the best, he's the MVP."
For the first time this season, Jackson has become the favorite to win NFL MVP, with odds of +275, surpassing Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes at +475. At 27, Jackson would become the youngest player to win three MVP awards, having previously claimed the honor in 2019 and last season. However, despite his individual accolades, Jackson—still seeking a Super Bowl appearance—remains focused on team success.
"I'm chasing something right now," Jackson said. "Every game, I'm just trying to win."
Jackson once again dominated, leading the Ravens (5-2) to their fifth straight win. After trailing 10-0 in the first quarter, he orchestrated six consecutive scoring drives, resulting in 34 unanswered points. He threw a 49-yard touchdown to Rashod Bateman and connected with Andrews for a 4-yard score on fourth down.
The Ravens have now scored 27 or more points in five consecutive games, the longest active streak in the NFL. Jackson's performance included his third career game with five touchdown passes and at least 50 rushing yards—no other player in NFL history has more than one such game.
"It's scary to see him getting better," said Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton. "He's one-of-one, like LeBron out there."
While Jackson has always been a dangerous runner, his growth as a passer is evident. He finished the game completing 17 of 22 passes for 281 yards and five touchdowns. This was his fifth career game with more or as many touchdown passes as incompletions.
Through seven games, Jackson ranks fifth in passing yards (1,810), second in touchdown passes (15), and second in yards per attempt (9.1).
"He's the best in the league," said Ravens defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike. "If people don't agree, they're not watching football. They're just hating."
Jackson has also excelled on the big stage, with 20 touchdown passes and no interceptions on "Monday Night Football," the longest such streak in the broadcast’s history.
"He'll go down in 'Monday Night Football' history for sure," said Ravens coach John Harbaugh. "And he has a lot more to add."
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