Lamar Jackson defends playing late in blowout win

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has no issue with staying in late during a blowout victory. Leah Stauffer-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens' Lamar Jackson defends playing in fourth quarter of blowout win

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 9/16/20

While speaking with reporters on Monday, Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh defended his decision to leave Most Valuable Player quarterback Lamar Jackson in the lineup during the fourth quarter of Sunday's 38-6 win over division foes the Cleveland Browns.

Jackson took the field in the contest's last period with the hosts up by 32 points, and he was sacked once with the game's result determined before Harbaugh replaced the signal-caller with backup Robert Griffin III.

Jackson came to his coach's defense during Wednesday's media session.

"We didn't have any preseason games," the 23-year-old QB explained, according to ESPN's Jamison Hensley. "That was my first time getting tackled since January, so I felt we needed that. Coach knows what he's doing. It is what it is. You can get hurt at any time. I'm good. I came out of the game 100 percent. So, it's fine."

The NFL canceled all exhibition games due to concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic, and Jackson has only 23 NFL regular-season starts on his resume, per Pro-Football-Reference.

In-game action against a competitive opponent consistently provides teaching moments, even for the reigning MVP.

Lamar Jackson said the game has slowed down a lot for him. Attributes that to film study and also going against Ravens creative defense in practice every day.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) September 16, 2020