“Baltimore’s offense lost its explosive nature without Jackson” BYRNE

“Without him the Ravens failed to score another point, barely survived. They’re extraordinarily dependent on Lamar. Today was another example. The contrast between the first and second halves was dramatic,” Tom Byrne said.

Byrne was discussing Baltimore’s 24–18 win over Tennessee on Sunday, October 4. Lamar Jackson left with an ankle injury after the Ravens’ final offensive play of the first half. He completed 15 of 20 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns as Baltimore built a 24–7 halftime lead.

Byrne acknowledged that protecting a large lead explained some of the slowdown. He still pointed to what Baltimore lost after Jackson’s exit.

“Baltimore’s offense lost its explosive nature without Jackson. You saw it.”

Tyler Huntley completed eight of nine passes for 63 yards in relief. The Ravens did not score after halftime.

TSP’s MVP through four weeks

Lamar Jackson is TSP’s MVP through the NFL’s first four weeks. His first-half performance against Tennessee and the drop in Baltimore’s offense after his injury reinforce our assessment of his value to the Ravens.

Jackson has 967 passing yards, six passing touchdowns and one interception through four games, along with 144 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. Baltimore is 3–1.

Coach Jesse Minter had no firm prognosis after the game. Byrne cautioned against treating the initial injury reporting as a guarantee of Jackson’s availability for the next game.

“The Ravens shouldn’t rush him back,” Byrne said.