Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson continues to define and redefine the modern quarterback position with his incredible blend of arm strength, field vision, and electrifying running ability. As the Ravens gear up for their Week 6 matchup against the Washington Commanders, all eyes are on Jackson. With a string of highlight-reel performances, including his dazzling touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 5, Jackson is building a strong case for another MVP run.
A Season of Resurgence
After an up-and-down 2023 campaign marked by injuries and inconsistencies, Jackson has returned in 2024 with a vengeance. Through five games, he has amassed 1,206 passing yards, completing 67.9% of his passes, with nine touchdowns and only one interception  . These numbers reflect not only his arm talent but also his growth as a more composed and precise passer.
Jackson’s 348-yard, four-touchdown performance against Cincinnati was his best passing display of the season, showcasing his poise in the pocket and ability to make game-changing plays under pressure. In that game, he also added 55 rushing yards, reminding the league of his dual-threat dominance . The Ravens trailed 31-21 late in the fourth quarter, but Jackson rallied his team with two touchdowns in the final 10 minutes of regulation, leading them to an epic overtime victory.
Beyond just stats, what makes Jackson special is his ability to elevate his team, especially in clutch moments. His 9:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio underscores his improved decision-making, and he has already added two rushing touchdowns to his resume this season. Whether it’s with his arm or his legs, Jackson is a nightmare for defensive coordinators.
Playing Style: A Unique Hybrid
Lamar Jackson is often described as a “quarterback who runs like a running back.” But this description does him a disservice. While his 7.3 yards per carry on 53 rushes so far this season prove his ground threat, it’s his ability to throw from various platforms that sets him apart . He can launch passes deep down the field, hit intermediate routes with precision, and throw off-balance under pressure—like he did in the remarkable play against Cincinnati where he fumbled the snap, stiff-armed a defender, and threw a fadeaway pass to the end zone .
At 6’2”, 205 pounds, Jackson combines agility, speed, and vision with a rare ability to read defenses both pre- and post-snap. While many dual-threat quarterbacks tend to leave the pocket too early, Jackson has developed patience, allowing plays to develop and capitalizing on defensive mistakes. In 2024, he has shown marked improvement in throwing from the pocket, recording an impressive 8.6 yards per attempt. His deep ball has been lethal, while his ability to scramble keeps defenses on edge .
Jackson’s creativity also makes him unpredictable. Whether it’s an option run, a designed QB keeper, or extending a play by scrambling behind the line of scrimmage, defenders struggle to contain him. His ability to freeze linebackers and safeties with his legs gives his receivers extra time to break free, adding another dimension to the Ravens’ offense. The fear of Jackson breaking loose often leaves his receivers wide open for downfield strikes.
Next Up: Washington Commanders
The Ravens are set to take on the Washington Commanders in Week 6, and this matchup promises to be an exciting contest. The Commanders have been one of the surprise teams of the 2024 season, currently boasting a 4-1 record behind the strong play of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels . Despite their early success, Washington will face one of their toughest challenges in containing Jackson.
Washington’s defense ranks near the top of the league in sacks, with a fearsome front led by Chase Young and Montez Sweat. They excel at generating pressure, but they have yet to face a quarterback with Jackson’s mobility. The Commanders’ defense has been effective against traditional pocket passers, but they may struggle against Jackson’s unique skill set. The key for the Commanders will be to contain him within the pocket, forcing him to make quick decisions under pressure. However, if Jackson escapes the rush, it could lead to big plays downfield or on the ground.
In contrast, Jackson’s experience and ability to read defenses will play a crucial role. He’ll need to quickly assess the Commanders’ defensive schemes, particularly how they deploy their edge rushers and whether they choose to spy him with a linebacker. Jackson’s ability to quickly transition from a passing mindset to a running one can create mismatches and force defenders into uncomfortable positions.
Predictions for the Matchup
As the Ravens prepare for this pivotal game against the Commanders, the focus will be on Jackson’s performance. If he can replicate or build on his success from previous games, he could lead the Ravens to a commanding victory. Given his current form, predicting a standout performance seems reasonable.
Final Score Prediction: Ravens 31, Commanders 20
With Jackson leading the charge, expect the Ravens’ offense to be dynamic and multifaceted. The combination of his passing and rushing abilities, coupled with a potent ground game featuring running backs like Gus Edwards, could overwhelm the Commanders’ defense. Additionally, if Jackson can connect with key targets like Mark Andrews and Zay Flowers early, it will set the tone for the game.
Conversely, the Commanders will need to find a way to establish a rhythm on offense, likely relying on their rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels. If they can keep the game close, it might force Jackson to take more risks, which could lead to turnovers—a critical factor in any game.
Conclusion
As the Ravens approach their matchup against the Commanders, all eyes will be on Lamar Jackson. With his remarkable stats, electrifying playing style, and the ability to perform under pressure, he is poised to make headlines once again. As he continues to shatter expectations and redefine the quarterback position, fans can only watch in awe, hoping for more jaw-dropping moments in what promises to be an exciting season.
