Lamar Jackson has made one career start against New Orleans, and Baltimore controlled that matchup behind its quarterback’s mobility and a dominant defensive performance. Jackson completed 12 of 22 passes for 133 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions during the Ravens’ 27-13 victory at the Caesars Superdome on Nov. 7, 2022. He added 82 yards on 11 rushing attempts, giving him 215 total yards.
His passing numbers were modest, but Jackson repeatedly extended possessions with his legs. He averaged 7.5 yards per rushing attempt and helped Baltimore control the ball for more than 37 minutes. Jackson’s lone touchdown pass went to then-rookie tight end Isaiah Likely, who caught five passes for 24 yards while filling in for Mark Andrews.
Baltimore’s
rushing attack carried the offense. The Ravens accumulated 188 yards on the ground, while Kenyan Drake added 93 yards and two touchdowns. The Saints couldn't force Jackson into a turnover. Baltimore built a 14-0 halftime lead and remained in control while its defense recorded four sacks and intercepted Andy Dalton once. Much has changed since that meeting. Jackson is operating Declan Doyle’s offense, Derrick Henry has become the centerpiece of Baltimore’s running game, and New Orleans has reshaped its defense around players such as Kaden Elliss, Justin Reid and Davon Godchaux.
Jackson enters the rematch after passing for 324 yards and rushing for 43 during Baltimore’s 41-23 victory over Indianapolis. He completed 68% of his attempts, produced two total touchdowns and did not commit a turnover.
That opening performance demonstrated how much more difficult Jackson has become to defend. New Orleans must account for his designed runs and improvisational ability without allowing him to exploit favorable coverage through the air. Jackson did not need a large passing total to beat the Saints in 2022. Four years later, Baltimore can attack New Orleans with a considerably more explosive version of the same dual-threat formula.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Lamar Jackson looks to continue his success against the Saints
