Lamar Jackson led the Baltimore Ravens to a commanding 41-31 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, showcasing his MVP-caliber performance with five touchdown passes. Despite key losses for the Bucs, including Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, who suffered significant injuries, Baker Mayfield attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter. The win improved the Ravens’ record to 5-2, marking a five-game winning streak after an 0-2 start, while the Bucs fell to 4-3.
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In a thrilling Monday night matchup, Lamar Jackson showcased his impressive skills by leading the Baltimore Ravens to a spectacular 41-31 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who were missing crucial offensive players.
The Ravens improved their record to 5-2, while the Buccaneers fell to 4-3.
This primetime clash featured two MVP-caliber quarterbacks, Jackson and Baker Mayfield, competing in the Sunshine State.
Throughout the game, the quarterbacks combined for an astounding eight touchdown passes, with Jackson throwing five in a standout performance that bolstered his MVP case.
Jackson completed 17 of 22 passes for a total of 281 yards, connecting with tight end Mark Andrews for two touchdowns. He also distributed scoring passes to Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, and Rashod Bateman.
The Buccaneers faced significant setbacks during the game, losing their top two receivers, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Godwin’s injury was particularly alarming, as Coach Todd Bowles revealed he suffered a severe ankle sprain just 43 seconds before the game ended.
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ESPN opted not to show the moment of Godwin’s injury, even though footage indicated the severity of his ankle was dire after being rolled on during a tackle by Roquan Smith. He was quickly placed in a cast and taken off the field.
Evans also exited the game early on and was ruled out for the remainder. Despite the challenges, Jackson effectively targeted his receivers and dissected Tampa Bay’s defense, much to the delight of Ravens fans.
Bateman had an impressive night, catching four passes for 121 yards, including a thrilling 49-yard touchdown in the third quarter. He also snagged a 59-yard bomb from Jackson in the first half, demonstrating excellent timing and connection between the two players.
Mark Andrews, a reliable target for Jackson over the years, also played a significant role, contributing two touchdowns and totaling 41 yards on four receptions.
Meanwhile, Derrick Henry delivered another elite performance, rushing for 169 yards on just 15 carries, highlighted by a breathtaking 81-yard sprint down the field.
Despite some late-game heroics from Baker Mayfield, who tried to rally his team, Jackson and the Ravens maintained control, stretching their lead to 34-10 late in the third quarter.
The Buccaneers managed to score 21 points in the fourth quarter, with Rachaad White catching two touchdown passes from Mayfield, and Bucky Irving adding a one-yard touchdown run. However, these efforts weren’t enough to secure the win.
The absence of Godwin, who was among the top in the league with 2024 receiving yards after adding 65 to his tally in this game, along with Evans, contributed to the Buccaneers’ home loss.
On the flip side, the Ravens have strung together five consecutive wins after an 0-2 start to the season, making their mark in NFL history.