Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens earn revenge, vindication

Lamar Jackson got his first playoff win, exorcising his demons and pushing the Ravens forward.

All week heading into a Wild Card Weekend showdown with the Titans, Lamar Jackson‘s playoff record was brought into question. Moreover, the Baltimore Ravens faced an ever-daunting question: How you do stop Derrick Henry? Henry rushed for over 2,000 yards this season and was personally responsible for ending Baltimore’s season a year ago, it was a fair assessment.

Suffices to say, after Baltimore went on the road and pulled off the 20-13 upset on Sunday, Jackson can now focus on winning the next playoff game instead of having to hear doubters pile up. He also has the satisfaction that he, just like the 2000 Ravens, went on the road to Tennessee in the playoffs and sent them home for the offseason. Whether or not he replicates what that team ultimately accomplished remains to be seen.

Jackson, however, does have one advantage over the majority of teams left in the AFC. That, of course, is his mobility. Look no further than his touchdown run where he caught the Titans, and possibly all the fans watching, off guard.

Lamar Jackson and the Ravens appear on a mission to right postseason wrongs.

The Ravens had the bitter taste of defeat at the hands of the Titans throughout lingering throughout the offseason and even more so after the regular season when Tennessee strolled into town and won in overtime. However, Sunday’s win showed the maturation and progression of Jackson.

Last season, Jackson’s electricity sputtered out at the wrong time. A year later, he found his groove down the stretch and at the start of the playoffs. Subsequently, he earned his first playoff victory, which removes a lingering cloud from overtop his head.

Revenge is always satisfying for the team seeking it, especially for the players. Jackson has checked off one box on his list, but he still has work to do. For now, he gets to add a playoff victory to his resume to help erase last season from his mind and from Ravens’ fans as well.