In a strategic move reminiscent of the 2019 season, the Baltimore Ravens have chosen to rest their star player, Lamar Jackson, in the regular-season finale. Head coach John Harbaugh confirmed this decision, stating that Jackson will not take the field in the upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite the Steelers’ need for a victory to secure a playoff spot, the game holds no playoff ramifications for the Ravens, as they have already secured the AFC’s No. 1 seed and a first-round bye. This deliberate resting strategy aims to provide Jackson with a significant 19-day break before the crucial playoff game in the AFC divisional round.
This decision echoes the Ravens’ approach in 2019 when they also had the No. 1 seed in the AFC locked up before the final game of the regular season. In that instance, Baltimore chose to rest Jackson and several other key starters, resulting in a significant layoff. Unfortunately, the Ravens’ rustiness was apparent in their subsequent divisional round loss to the Tennessee Titans. The team was held to a season-low in points, and Jackson had a less-than-stellar performance, completing just 52.5% of his passes for 365 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. It is clear that the long layoff affected the team’s rhythm and performance on the field.
Harbaugh’s decision to rest Jackson not only takes into account the team’s previous experience but also prioritizes the quarterback’s health. In the past two seasons, Jackson was unable to finish the season due to late-season injuries—an ankle injury in 2021 and a sprained knee in 2022. By providing Jackson with a substantial break, the Ravens hope to mitigate any potential injury risk and ensure his availability for the playoffs. It is a cautious approach that emphasizes long-term player well-being over immediate gains.
Although Jackson is considered the best player on the Ravens, there are statistical factors that may impact his chances of winning the NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Notably, no quarterback has ever won the award when ranked outside the top 10 in both passing yards and touchdown passes. Currently, Jackson ranks 14th in passing yards (3,678) and 10th in touchdown passes (24). While his impact on the game extends beyond these statistics, it remains to be seen how this will affect his MVP candidacy.
The Baltimore Ravens’ decision to rest Lamar Jackson in the regular-season finale is a calculated move that prioritizes the quarterback’s health and well-being. Drawing from their past experience, the Ravens aim to avoid the pitfalls of a significant layoff, which adversely affected their performance in the playoffs last season. By providing Jackson with a substantial break, the team hopes to optimize his performance in the upcoming AFC divisional round game. Furthermore, while Jackson’s MVP candidacy may be impacted by his current statistical ranking, his overall impact on the team and the league remains undeniable. The Ravens’ rest strategy is a testament to their commitment to their star player and their determination to achieve long-term success.
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