NFL
Lamar Jackson Expected to Make Fourth Consecutive Start in Week 14
The Baltimore Ravens travel to Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday for an all-important Week 14 matchup against the red-hot Kansas City Chiefs. Although quarterback Joe Flacco has returned to practice this week, he is questionable to play this Sunday. That opens the door for quarterback Lamar Jackson to start again for his fourth consecutive week.
The Chiefs will be without their former star running back, Kareem Hunt. Hunt is now embroiled in the fall out from a domestic violence incident that happened back in February. Kansas City has also come under fire for their handling of the situation.
This game, for both teams, carries implications that could shift the future of a franchise.
The Playoff Race
The Baltimore Ravens currently hold the 6th seed in the AFC playoff race. Baltimore is also only a half-game behind the Steelers in the AFC North race. However, with four AFC teams only a game behind Baltimore in the wildcard chase, the team has no room for error.
While Lamar Jackson has won all of his past three starts, his play hasn’t exactly been flawless. Deciding whether to put the franchise’s Lombardi hopes in the hands of a rookie is nothing short of a gutsy decision. Nevertheless, the right decision will propel this team to a playoff run. According to NFL analyst Nate Burleson, that choice is Lamar.
Out With the Old, in with the New?
The reality of the situation is that this Ravens team has a tough final four-game stretch. However, the quarterback decision goes beyond what happens this season. Assuming Flacco is fully healthy for the Week 15 matchup against Tampa Bay, starting Lamar certainly signals that the end is near for Flacco.
That brings other questions into play: Who leaves with Flacco? Does Harbaugh keep his job if he makes such a gutsy decision? What if Harbaugh makes the decision and it backfires? Is this Ravens team ready for life without Flacco?
This team certainly wants to win now with the depth of defensive talent they currently possess. Starting Lamar for the remainder of the season suggest that he’s not only better for the future of this team, but that he’s also the best option right now. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs will be looking to secure yet another home victory this Sunday as quarterback Lamar Jackson looks to extend his win streak to four.
Photo credit to Phil Romans via Flickr
