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Troubling Lamar Jackson trend threatens Ravens in Week 15
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Troubling Lamar Jackson trend threatens Ravens in Week 15

Here we go again.

The Baltimore Ravens are singing a familiar refrain in Week 15 after quarterback Lamar Jackson missed Wednesday's practice. As ESPN Ravens reporter Jamison Hensley noted, it marks the fifth consecutive week Jackson "has missed at least one practice." 

While a two-time MVP missing practice might not seem like a big deal, Jackson's rough season raises the level of concern.

Missed practice a troubling trend for Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson

Since returning from a three-game absence due to a hamstring injury, Jackson has struggled to regain his All-Pro form. He's completed less than 60 percent of his pass attempts in each of his past five starts, the league's second-longest active streak (Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams), per Stathead.

Overall in 2025, his biggest drop-off has come in the red zone. Last season, Jackson was a technician inside the 20, completing 70.3 percent of his attempts with 32 touchdowns and one interception. (h/t Pro Football Reference)

It's been an entirely different story this year. Per Sumer Sports data, Jackson ranks last in expected points added per play (-0.24) among 22 quarterbacks with at least 50 plays inside opponents' 20-yard line. He has the lowest completion percentage (44.2 percent) and highest sack rate (12.73 percent), an awful combo for getting into the end zone.

Because of the struggles, the Ravens have fallen from No. 1 to No. 30 in red-zone touchdown percentage. 

Baltimore could use all the practice time it can to fix its red-zone woes, but Jackson's absence makes that less possible.

The Ravens (6-7) are a game behind the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) for first in the AFC North, giving them a small margin of error going forward. On Sunday, they play at the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals (4-9). The team's practice pattern with Jackson might not be the main reason for his inconsistency since returning, but it's unlikely helping matters. As it long as it repeats, Baltimore can expect similar results.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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