What Went Wrong on Lamar Jackson’s Final INT?

From the moment the ball was snapped and Jackson dropped back to throw, the play began to unravel. Defensive end Carl Granderson beat Vega Ioane with a spin move, while Chase Young walked Carson Vinson backward and nearly into Jackson’s lap. Jackson still got the throw away, but it sailed well beyond Rashod Bateman, who had come off the line at a jog-like pace and was well behind the ball when it arrived.

So why did Jackson throw so far ahead of Bateman, and why was Bateman moving at less than full speed? The film suggests Bateman may not have anticipated getting the football. New Orleans also appeared to be playing Cover 3, with three defenders occupying the deep portions of the field.

Even if Bateman had continued through the route at full speed, Jackson would likely have been asking him to make a contested catch with Blackmon positioned over the top. That still would have given Baltimore a better chance than what ultimately happened, as Blackmon made one of the easiest interceptions of his pro career.