‘Lamar Jackson is the most dangerous QB in the AFC’ – Dan on Ravens beat Bengals 41-38 in OT | HO

In a thrilling 41-38 overtime victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, Lamar Jackson reaffirmed his status as the most dangerous quarterback in the AFC. Jackson, with his unique blend of speed, vision, and throwing ability, remains a force to be reckoned with, both as a passer and as a runner. The game against the Bengals showcased his exceptional versatility and leadership, making it clear why he is such a dangerous weapon on the field.

What sets Lamar Jackson apart from other quarterbacks in the AFC is his ability to dominate both through the air and on the ground. In the Bengals game, Jackson threw for over 300 yards and rushed for more than 100, making him a nightmare for defenses to contain. His ability to make plays with his legs adds an extra dimension to the Ravens’ offense, allowing them to exploit mismatches and keep defenses guessing.

Most quarterbacks in the AFC are proficient passers, but few can change the game with their feet like Jackson. His speed and agility make him one of the most elusive runners in the league, and his decision-making in the open field is akin to that of a running back. This makes it difficult for defenses to play coverage or stack the box, as Jackson can beat them either way.

Jackson’s performance against the Bengals demonstrated his elite playmaking ability. Whether it’s making accurate throws down the field or turning a broken play into a first down with his legs, Jackson consistently finds ways to make things happen. He has a knack for extending plays, and his pocket awareness has improved significantly over the years.

During the game, Jackson connected with his receivers on several big plays, showing off his improved accuracy and decision-making. His ability to read defenses has become more refined, and he’s developed a greater understanding of when to take shots down the field and when to take off running. This balance makes him incredibly dangerous, as defenders are often caught in no man’s land, unsure whether to commit to stopping the run or covering the pass.

Lamar Jackson’s leadership and poise under pressure were on full display in the Ravens’ victory over the Bengals. Despite facing a talented Cincinnati defense and the pressure of a close game, Jackson remained calm and composed. He led the Ravens on several clutch drives, including the game-winning drive in overtime.

Jackson’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations has become one of his trademarks. Whether it’s a must-win game late in the season or a critical third down in overtime, Jackson consistently rises to the occasion. His teammates feed off his confidence, and his leadership in the huddle has been a driving force behind the Ravens’ success.

While the AFC boasts several elite quarterbacks, including Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson stands out because of his unique skill set. Mahomes is known for his arm strength and ability to make off-platform throws, while Allen is a physical specimen with a powerful arm and the ability to run. Burrow, meanwhile, is a cerebral quarterback with pinpoint accuracy.

However, none of these quarterbacks possess the same combination of speed, agility, and playmaking ability as Lamar Jackson. Mahomes and Allen are excellent scramblers, but they rely more on extending plays behind the line of scrimmage, while Jackson can take off and turn a broken play into a 50-yard run. His ability to turn any play into a big gain with his legs makes him the most dangerous quarterback in the AFC, as defenses are forced to account for him at all times.

One of the most impressive aspects of Jackson’s development has been the evolution of his passing game. Early in his career, critics questioned whether Jackson could win games with his arm, but he has answered those doubts with his improved accuracy, decision-making, and ability to read defenses.

Against the Bengals, Jackson made several pinpoint throws, including a few down the field that helped set up scoring opportunities. His ability to attack all areas of the field, from short passes to deep balls, makes the Ravens’ offense incredibly difficult to defend. As Jackson continues to refine his passing game, he becomes even more dangerous, as defenses can no longer afford to stack the box to stop his running ability.

Another reason Jackson is such a dangerous quarterback is the Ravens’ offensive scheme, which is tailored to his unique skill set. Baltimore has built its offense around Jackson’s strengths, incorporating a heavy dose of read-option plays, designed quarterback runs, and play-action passes. This allows Jackson to use his legs to their fullest potential while also keeping defenses off balance.

The Ravens’ supporting cast has also improved, with key additions like wide receiver Zay Flowers and the continued development of tight end Mark Andrews. These weapons give Jackson more options in the passing game, allowing him to spread the ball around and exploit mismatches. When combined with his running ability, the Ravens’ offense becomes one of the most dynamic units in the league.

Lamar Jackson’s presence makes the Ravens a perennial contender in the AFC. As the Ravens continue to stack wins and assert themselves as one of the top teams in the conference, Jackson’s play will be a major factor in determining how far they can go. His ability to take over games, as he did against the Bengals, gives the Ravens a chance to compete with any team in the AFC.

In a conference loaded with elite quarterbacks and high-powered offenses, having a player like Jackson who can single-handedly change the course of a game is invaluable. The Ravens will need him to continue playing at an elite level if they want to make a deep playoff run and challenge for a Super Bowl title.

Lamar Jackson’s performance against the Bengals was a reminder of why he is the most dangerous quarterback in the AFC. His dual-threat ability, elite playmaking, leadership, and continued growth as a passer make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. As the Ravens continue to build around him and fine-tune their offense, Jackson’s impact on the AFC playoff race will only grow. In a league dominated by quarterbacks, Lamar Jackson’s unique skill set makes him the ultimate X-factor, capable of leading the Ravens to new heights.