Colts Behind Enemy Lines: Ravens QB Lamar Jackson
The Indianapolis Colts are coming off their first win of the season. It was mixed feelings leaving the game in what was a dominant effort against the Houston Texans.
While many fans were excited about the win, most people were concerned about the health of quarterback Anthony Richardson. While one quarterback’s status is in question, one who is most certainly playing is the former MVP Lamar Jackson.
The last time the Colts saw Jackson, he had statistically one of the best games of his career. He led his team to a comeback overtime victory over the Colts in 2021. Jackson finished that game completing 37-of-43 passes for 442 yards and four touchdowns with 0 interceptions.
It was a game (while the stat line may not indicate it) the Colts dominated for three quarters before everything completely unraveled. The secondary was decimated with injuries, but the comeback was still inexcusable.
A lot has changed with the Baltimore Ravens team, beginning with Jackson. The offensive coordinatpr for Baltimore during that game was Greg Roman, who was fired this past off-season and replaced with Todd Monken. Monken has installed a more traditional passing attack, and Jackson is operating more from the pocket than he ever has.
While the numbers haven’t been eye-popping – he’s only thrown for 406 yards with two touchdowns in two games – Jackson has also ran for 92 yards on the ground. What really caught my attention was his 74% completion percentage.
Before this year, Jackson had never completed higher than the 66% he had in his MVP season. This means he’s playing at a much more efficient level. Combine that with the explosive play ability that he has with his legs, and that’s a deadly combination.
Jackson’s also surrounded by the most weapons he’s ever had in his young career. He has four wide receivers who can all contribute in Odell Beckham Jr., Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and Nelson Agholor. Jackson also has two tight ends that can contribute with former All-Pro Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely.
These things make Jackson that more dangerous. He’s spreading the ball out and making good reads with accurate throws.
The Colts’ defensive line has arguably been the team’s best unit this season. This will undoubtedly be one of their biggest tests of this young season. They will likely have to ease up on their attack style that they play with, because going too far upfield creates running lanes for Jackson.
While the Colts will attack, it must be a bit more calculated. Taking a contained approach is likely the better option. Jackson will be a tough matchup for this unit, but they are up for the challenge, and we will see if they respond this Sunday.
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