Football

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson credits 'my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ' after perfect passer rating

By Kevin Mercer Nov 4, 2024
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, left, November 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)

Against the Denver Broncos on Sunday afternoon in Baltimore, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson played a perfect game — at least based on his 158.3 passer rating, which is the highest passer rating a player can achieve.

Jackson completed 16 of 19 passes for 280 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions as the Ravens routed the Broncos and their No. 4-ranked scoring defense, 41-10.

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Jackson’s first two touchdowns came on passes to wide receiver Zay Flowers in the second quarter, when the outcome was still in doubt. For his first touchdown, Jackson utilized his mobility in the pocket to keep the play alive before finding Flowers in the back of the end zone for a 7-yard score.

Jackson’s accuracy was on display in his second touchdown of the game, as he pinpointed a pass deep over the middle to Flowers, who took it the rest of the way for a 53-yard touchdown with 16 seconds remaining in the first half.

Jackson added a 3-yard TD toss to fullback Patrick Ricard in the third quarter to cap his “perfect” day. Sunday marked the fourth time Jackson has recorded a perfect passer rating during his seven-year NFL career, which is already tied with legends Ben Roethlisberger and Peyton Manning for an NFL record.

Making Jackson’s performance even more impressive was the fact that he only practiced once during the week as he rested back and knee injuries, although his status for Sunday’s game was seemingly never in doubt. When asked in his postgame press conference how he was able to play so well despite limited practice reps and any lingering pain, Jackson said he put in extra study time. He also saw an opportunity to praise his Heavenly Father.

“I knew what the assignment was; I definitely studied those guys,” he answered. “Getting with Coach Tee (Martin, the QBs coach) and just putting in extra work because I wasn’t out there — just watching practice and studying film on those guys — that pretty much helped.

“And God. God, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that’s why we’re having so much success. That’s the One that’s leading us throughout these games, week in and week out.”

At just 27 years old, Jackson is making a good case to win the third NFL MVP award of his young career. He may even be the frontrunner. His 2,379 passing yards through nine games rank second in the NFL, as do his 20 TD passes, but he’s only thrown two interceptions so far. His 120.7 overall passer rating on the season ranks No. 1.

Jackson is already the reigning MVP after throwing for a career-best 3,678 yards, running for 821 more, and leading the Ravens to the AFC Championship Game a year ago.

“First and foremost, I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” Jackson said from the stage as he accepted last season’s MVP award. “Without Him, nothing is possible.”

 

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Talking about God in front of a national viewing audience is nothing new to Jackson. He has spoken openly about his faith throughout his football career, including when he burst onto the national scene during his Heisman Trophy campaign as a sophomore at Louisville in 2016.

“First and foremost, before I go further along in my speech, I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” Jackson said while accepting the Heisman Trophy. “Without Him, none of us would be here right now.”

Jackson’s mother, Felicia Jones, introduced him to faith as a child. Now, he wears No. 8 because of his eight core values: God, prayer, faith, family, education, sacrifice, character and discipline.

In the NFL, Jackson has continued to speak boldly for Christ. He made numerous references to trusting God throughout his contract negotiations before the 2023 season, he’s talked about the importance of prayer, and he’s thanked God publicly for the gift of being able to play football for a living. He even frequently likes and retweets posts praising God on his X account.

When asked by a media member in 2019 how he’s been able to handle so much success at such a young age, Jackson was quick to answer.

“The Lord,” he said. “I give Him all His praise, the glory, the honor, because of what I am. … If you feel like you’re bigger than the Lord, that’s when all that success die, it goes away. You got to let Him know He’s the reason you [have had] that much success. So I appreciate that from Him.”

With Jackson grounded by faith and leading the charge, Baltimore (6-3) has now won six of its past seven games and is a half-game behind the Pittsburgh Steelers for first place in the AFC North. There is no respite for the Ravens, however, in their quest to reach the playoffs for the sixth time in the past seven seasons; in a short week, they host the Cincinnati Bengals (4-5) on Thursday at 8:15 p.m. ET.

>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<

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