Home NFL Lamar Jackson Lifts The Ravens Pass The Bucs 41-31

Lamar Jackson Lifts The Ravens Pass The Bucs 41-31

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Courtesy Of The Baltimore Ravens Communications

Tampa, Fla. — Lamar Jackson delivered an impressive performance, showcasing some of the best football of his career. The two-time MVP threw for 281 yards and five touchdowns in a thrilling 41-31 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leading the Baltimore Ravens to their fifth consecutive win despite overcoming an early double-digit deficit.

“Winning is all I’m focused on,” Jackson said after the game, where the AFC North co-leaders scored on seven of nine possessions before he was pulled with just under two minutes remaining. Coach John Harbaugh praised Jackson, stating, “I’m proud of him. He’s a great leader and player. He’s the ultimate competitor, among the greatest I’ve ever seen.”

With this win, Jackson improved his record to 23-1 against NFC teams, marking the best record for any quarterback against an opposing conference in NFL history. He remains undefeated against the Bucs, improving to 3-0, as Tampa Bay (4-3) faded after initially taking a 10-0 lead, highlighted by Mike Evans’ 100th career touchdown reception.

The Buccaneers faced a setback when Evans left the game with a hamstring injury after attempting to catch another pass in the end zone from Baker Mayfield. In the closing minutes, top receiver Chris Godwin was carted off the field with a left ankle injury, which ESPN chose not to replay due to its severity.

Bucs coach Todd Bowles commented on Godwin’s injury, indicating it looked like a dislocation. He defended the decision to keep Godwin in the game late, saying, “We were still down 10 and trying to score. With Mike going down, we didn’t have many receivers left.”

Courtesy Of The Baltimore Ravens Communications

Jackson completed 17 of 22 passes with no interceptions, throwing touchdown passes of 9 and 4 yards to Mark Andrews, 49 yards to Rashod Bateman, 18 yards to Justice Hill, and 11 yards to Derrick Henry, who rushed for 169 yards on 15 carries. Bateman also had four receptions for 121 yards.

The Ravens (5-2) rebounded from a sluggish defensive start, with cornerback Marlon Humphrey making a pivotal impact by recording two second-quarter interceptions, one of which came in the end zone. Following the first pick, Jackson led a four-play, 80-yard touchdown drive, and the second interception helped set up Justin Tucker’s 28-yard field goal for a 17-10 lead at halftime.

“He’s the ultimate competitor,” Andrews said of Jackson. “Every play he makes is big-time and helps this team win. He lays it all on the line every game. He’s the best; he’s the MVP.”

Mayfield finished with 31 completions on 45 attempts, totaling 370 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. Evans made history with his touchdown catch, joining Hall of Famers Jerry Rice, Randy Moss, Marvin Harrison, and Terrell Owens as one of only five players to achieve 100 touchdown receptions in their first 11 seasons.

Evans, who had missed practice last week due to a hamstring issue, aggravated his injury on his scoring reception. He remained on the field for several minutes before being helped off and did not return to the game.

This matchup marked the Bucs’ first home game since Hurricane Milton hit Florida’s Gulf Coast, causing significant damage in the Tampa Bay area. The team had relocated to New Orleans to practice for four days before their impressive 51-7 win against the Saints last week.

The Ravens lead the NFL with 1,476 rushing yards this season and have exceeded 150 rushing yards in every game. They rushed for 243 yards against the Bucs, becoming the fourth team since 1980 to surpass 1,400 rushing yards in their first seven games, joining the ranks of the 1984 Chicago Bears (1,508), the 2006 Atlanta Falcons (1,476), and the 2019 Ravens (1,429).

Henry’s touchdown reception in the fourth quarter extended the Ravens’ lead to 41-18. The Bucs managed to score twice in the final minutes, including a successful onside kick recovery, marking the second time this season the Ravens have failed to recover an opponent’s onside kick. However, any hopes for a comeback were dashed when Godwin was injured after a 21-yard catch, tackled by Roquan Smith.

Injuries:

Ravens:Humphrey (knee) left the game after colliding with a teammate while making his second interception and did not return.

Buccaneers: Evans’ touchdown catch was his only reception. Safety Tykee Smith (concussion) left in the second quarter and did not return.

Upcoming Games:

Ravens: Travel to face AFC North rival Cleveland next Sunday.
Buccaneers: Plays the Atlanta Falcons in a crucial NFC South showdown on Sunday at home.