Jackson poised to make third straight start for Ravens
Joe Flacco did not practice Wednesday, opening the door for rookie Lamar Jackson to make his third straight start FOR THE Baltimore Ravens.
Flacco has been out since suffering a right hip injury Nov. 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The veteran quarterback met with doctors on Monday to determine if he was healthy enough to practice, but he was not available two days later.
Head coach John Harbaugh has not officially ruled Flacco out for this week against the Falcons.
“There’s a process involved,” Harbaugh said. “It has to do with the doctors and the trainers and his rehab. He’s progressing very well. He’s doing well and there will be another step today, and tomorrow and the day after that. And we’ll see where we’re at.”
If Flacco cannot play, Jackson will likely make his third consecutive start this week. He has earned the confidence of his coaches and teammates over the past several weeks.
This is another critical game for Baltimore (6-5) to hold onto the sixth and final wild-card spot.
The Ravens uncertainty at quarterback has also created some challenges in Atlanta, where the Falcons cannot prepare for Flacco and Jackson the same way.
“He’s got such quickness and speed, like a wide receiver or a corner has, but he’s behind center,” Atlanta head coach Dan Quinn said about Jackson. “You can simulate that with a receiver for the run plays, but it’s not as authentic because he can’t step back and rip the passes.”
While Flacco has a big arm and likes to throw the ball deep downfield, the Ravens have tailored the offense to Jackson’s strengths with the read-option.
One week after running for a franchise-record 27 times as a quarterback, Jackson had 11 carries for 71 yards, including a 5-yard touchdown run in a 34-17 victory over the Raiders in Week 12. Jackson was also 14 of 25 for 178 yards with a touchdown and a pair of interceptions (58.4 passer rating).
Fellow rookie Gus Edwards has also emerged as a playmaker and has run for more than 100 yards over the last two games. Baltimore has averaged 5.3 yards per carry over that stretch.
Edwards said the offensive linemen love the way the Ravens have been able to pound the ball.
“They get pumped out there when we’re running and getting positive yards,” Edwards said. “They’re jumping around, looking at the sideline, hoping we continue going. They love it.”
Flacco had a strong start to the season, but was behind center for a three-game losing streak to put the Ravens’ playoff hopes in peril. Flacco has thrown for 2,465 with 12 touchdowns and six interceptions.
SERIES HISTORY: 6th regular-season meeting. Ravens lead series, 3-2. Head coach John Harbaugh has gone 1-1 against the Falcons. The Ravens beat Atlanta 29-7 in the most recent meeting Oct. 19, 2014, at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore last beat the Falcons in Atlanta on Oct. 3, 1999.