Houston Delivers a Christmas Blowout as Jackson Shines
It was a wild day in Houston as the Baltimore Ravens took over the field on Christmas, delivering a stunning 31-2 victory over the Houston Texans. The star of the show? None other than Lamar Jackson, who not only kept his MVP hopes alive but also made history.
Jackson’s MVP Case Just Got Stronger
Last season, Jackson snagged his second NFL MVP award, and this year heโs on a whole different level. Seriously, he’s been downright impressive. Some folks are even talking about a split MVP situation between him and the powerhouse Josh Allen from the Buffalo Bills. While Allen has been amazing, leading his team to an AFC East title, Jackson isnโt far behind. His statisticsโwould you look at that passer rating? It’s challenging the all-time record!
Against the Texans, Jackson exhibited his usual brilliance, throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for another. His passer rating now stands at an astonishing 121.6, which is tantalizingly close to the legendary Aaron Rodgersโ single-season record of 122.5. Oh, and did I mention that Jackson also surpassed Michael Vick‘s record for career rushing yards by a quarterback? At just 27, he’s just getting started!
Allenโs Challenge and Jacksonโs Edge
For weeks, the narrative leaned more towards Allen as the consensus MVP favorite. Itโs similar to that time Joel Embiid snagged the NBA MVP just because voters were tired of Nikola Jokiฤ. There might be some voter fatigue for Jackson, which isnโt fair since heโs having an exceptional season, too. Heโs not just leaning on his past accoladesโhis play speaks volumes.
The Ravensโ offense looked unstoppable with Derrick Henry also adding to the mix. Henry started the game strong, racking up 86 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter alone. When your running back is bulldozing through defenders like a hot knife through butter, it takes the pressure off Jackson, allowing the team to dominateโalthough Jackson still shines on his own.
Stellar Performance Against the Texans
Throughout the game, it was all about team effort without losing Jackson’s magic touch. In the first half alone, he only completed six passes but managed to throw for 147 yards. Can you believe that? The Ravens completely controlled the half. They led 17-2 at halftimeโa score thatโs never been seen before!
Jackson, being the entertainer he is, joked about catching Beyoncรฉโs halftime show but opted to stay in the locker room. With a lead like that, he could have strolled out and caught a few of her performances.
With Jacksonโs Skills, a Playoff Run Seems Promising
The show didnโt stop after halftime; less than two minutes into the third quarter, Jackson took off on a spectacular 48-yard touchdown run. That was just icing on the cake! Not only does he have an impressive passing game, but his rushing ability is unmatched. Heโs leading the way among quarterbacks, and with numbers like these, saying he deserves that third MVP becomes hard to argue.
As for Allen, heโs no slouch either, throwing for 26 touchdowns and rushing for a whopping 11 touchdowns. You can see the similarities in their playstyle; both can pass or run effectively. But here’s the thing: what seemed like an edge for Allen may not hold after the Ravensโ comeback to lead in the AFC North.
A Legacy in the Making
Jacksonโs legacy could significantly shift with a third MVP award, but letโs be honestโa Super Bowl win would reshape it entirely. The Ravens have faced some tough losses this season, but their recent performance against the Texans is a stiff warning to the rest of the AFC. With all these records, accolades, and not forgetting his dynamic play style, it’s tough to ignore Jackson as a frontrunner for yet another MVP award.
The Ravens are now sitting pretty at 11-5 after their convincing win, leaving fans and analysts buzzing. As they head into the final games of the season and potentially the playoffs, every eye in the sports world will be glued to one of the most dynamic quarterbacks the NFL has ever seen. Lamar Jackson is coming for that MVP title, and judging by todayโs game, who can argue that he doesnโt deserve it?
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
