Baltimore Ravens Quarterback Lamar Jackson In Rarefied Air Through First 100 Starts

In the world of the NFL, hitting 100 career starts is a huge milestone. For Lamar Jackson, it feels like just another Sunday. But this wasn’t just any game; it was a testament to his journey, his resilience, and the sheer electricity he brings to the field. When the Baltimore Ravens took on the Minnesota Vikings, it wasn’t just another box to check—it was a party, and the Ravens’ defense decided to bring the gifts.

For once, the narrative wasn’t about Jackson having to strap the team to his back and perform some Houdini-esque escape to secure a win. Instead, his defense gifted him what Cornerback Marlon Humphrey hilariously called a “smoke break.” You could almost picture Jackson kicking his feet up on the sidelines, sipping a Gatorade, and watching his defense dismantle the Vikings’ offense with a grin.

Jackson’s Defense Finally Shows Up

Let’s be real, the Ravens’ defense has been about as reliable as a chocolate teapot for most of the season. They were giving up points like it was a Black Friday sale. But against the Vikings, something clicked. It was like they collectively woke up and remembered they were playing for the Ravens, a franchise historically known for its bone-crushing defense. They hit season highs with two interceptions and a staggering 12 quarterback hits. J.J. McCarthy probably saw purple jerseys in his sleep.

This defensive resurgence couldn’t have come at a better time. The Ravens, after a dismal 1-5 start, have now strung together three straight wins. Coincidence? I think not. While Jackson and the offense were sputtering in the red zone, the defense stood tall, making stop after stop. It was a beautiful, gritty performance that screamed “old-school Ravens football.” Humphrey’s third-quarter interception was a thing of beauty, and rookie Malaki Starks joined the party, nearly matching the team’s entire interception total from the first eight games.

A Milestone Win For Jackson

With this victory, Jackson now has 73 wins in his first 100 starts, putting him in elite company alongside legends. But knowing Jackson, the personal accolades are secondary. The man is all about winning. When asked about turning the corner, he was quick to pump the brakes, saying, “Yes, but there’s still a lot of ball left. We have to stay locked in.” That’s the kind of level-headed leadership that turns a season around.

It’s wild to think it’s already been 100 starts. As Head Coach Jim Harbaugh put it, “I can’t even believe it.” It feels like just yesterday he was a rookie, dazzling us with his ankle-breaking runs. Now, he’s a seasoned veteran, a leader, and the undisputed heart of this team.

So, here’s to 100 starts for Lamar Jackson. It was a game that reminded us that while he’s a superhero, even superheroes need a day off. Thankfully, his defense finally decided to put on their capes.