Lamar Jackson stepped up in a moment of need for the Baltimore Ravens as they held off the Dallas Cowboys to record their first win of the NFL season.
In the final moments of the game, Jackson delivered under pressure.
First, he completed a crucial third-down pass, then followed it with a decisive run, helping his team to a 28-25 win on Sunday.
The victory lifted Baltimore to a 1-2 record, avoiding what would have been just the second 0-3 start in franchise history.
“I thought Lamar [Jackson] was just phenomenal throughout the game and then took over the last drive,” head coach John Harbaugh said.
Baltimore had to fight off a furious Dallas comeback.
“Lamar was phenomenal throughout the game and then took over the last drive.”https://t.co/bOFWNvcbQT
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 23, 2024
After leading by 22 points early in the fourth quarter, the Ravens saw their lead shrink to just three with under three minutes remaining.
Jackson’s play stopped what could have been a historic comeback for the Cowboys.
On third-and-six, Jackson connected with rookie Zay Flowers, then kept the ball on a critical run play.
After faking a handoff to Flowers, Jackson scrambled for a 10-yard gain, allowing the Ravens to run out the clock and secure the win.
“In crunch time, you want it in his hands.,” added Pro Bowl centre Tyler Linderbaum.
Jackson ended the game with an impressive 12 of 15 passes for 182 yards and a touchdown, along with 87 rushing yards and another score.
Pretty, pretty good 🔥 pic.twitter.com/FXGOuS4EHp
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 23, 2024
Reflecting on the win, Jackson emphasised the importance of taking each game as it comes: “We need to win these games to make it to the playoffs and beyond. But it all starts with the next game.”
The Ravens have struggled to close out games recently, throwing away a 10-point fourth-quarter lead in last week’s 27-20 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.
On Sunday, they nearly let a 28-6 advantage slip away but managed to hang on for the win.
With this win, he improved his record to 21-1 against NFC opponents.
