Did Lamar Jackson Cement MVP Case In Week 17? (NFL)
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Did Lamar Jackson Cement MVP Case In Week 17?

Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
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Baltimore Ravens superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson was outstanding throughout Sunday's dominant 56-19 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Jackson completed 18-of-21 passing attempts for 321 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions. The dual-threat Jackson also rushed for 35 yards. Jackson's efforts helped the Ravens clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC, a first-round bye, and home-field advantage throughout the postseason. Jackson's performance in Week 17 has rightfully made him the overwhelming favorite to capture this year’s MVP honor.

Vic Fangio's defense had absolutely no answer for Jackson. The Ravens nearly netted 500 yards of total offense as Jackson had an NFL record-tying third perfect passer rating (158.3) game of his illustrious career. Baltimore's offense punted on just two occasions—Jackson was in complete control.

Jackson had a particularly legendary second quarter. With the Ravens down 10-7, Jackson completed a nifty jump pass to Odell Beckham Jr. for a 33-yard gain on 2nd-and-8 to Miami's one-yard line. Running back Gus Edwards scored on the very next play to give the Ravens their first lead of the afternoon, an advantage they'd never squander.

After a Dolphins field goal narrowed Baltimore's lead to 14-13, the Ravens began the ensuing possession at their own 25-yard line following the kickoff. That's when Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken dug deep into his bag of tricks. 

Jackson takes the snap as if he's a left-handed quarterback, a deceptive action that gets the feet and eyes of Miami's defenders flowing that way. Jackson then switches to his natural right-handed mechanics to locate a wide-open Zay Flowers for a 75-yard touchdown. 

Jackson's most impressive play of the afternoon occurred in the dying minutes of the second quarter, mere moments after the Flowers touchdown. Holding a 21-13 lead, Jackson and the Ravens' offense were faced with a 4th-and-7 from Miami's 35-yard line. Instead of attempting a lengthy field goal or punting, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh trusted Jackson to convert. Jackson stepped up into the pocket and delivered an accurate ball despite being off balance to tight end Isaiah Likely, who made a spectacular one-handed catch for a 35-yard score that busted open Baltimore's halftime lead to 28-13.

Despite Sunday’s performance, Jackson hasn't stockpiled elite statistics. The former Louisville standout ranks 14th in passing yards (3,678) and is tied for 10th among quarterbacks in touchdowns (24). But down the most important stretch of the season, it's Jackson who's delivering standout performances for a Ravens team that has won a league-high 13 games as legitimate Super Bowl favorites. That means something.

The 2023 MVP race has been a tricky one. At different parts of the season, Brock Purdy, Dak Prescott, and Tua Tagovailoa have looked like potential winners. But Jackson just out-dueled Tagovailoa in a major way, and Purdy's four-interception performance versus Jackson's Ravens (another impressive dominant win for Baltimore) in Week 16 remains fresh in the minds of voters.

Sorting through the potential candidates has been more difficult than in regular years. It's no longer difficult. Jackson just solidified himself as the 2023 NFL MVP.



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