From Contender to Collapse: What the Two-Time MVP’s Absence Reveals About Baltimore’s Flaws
Lamar Jackson’s importance to the Baltimore Ravens has never been clearer than it is right now, but it’s not a new revelation. For years, debates have circulated about whether Jackson’s success was more a product of the supporting cast around him than his own game-changing ability. That debate should be put to rest once and for all. Through six weeks of the 2025 NFL season, the Ravens have put on a painful demonstration of their dependence on Jackson, as the team’s performance has imploded during his hamstring injury absence following Week Four’s matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. What we’re witnessing now is less about Jackson’s potential and more about the undeniable truth of his irreplaceable role in the organization.
Before Jackson went down, Baltimore was one of the league’s most efficient and explosive offenses. In his four starts this season, the Ravens averaged 32.8 points and 338 yards per game, ranking third in the NFL for scoring. Jackson led the league in touchdown passes with 10 and posted a staggering passer rating of 130.5, numbers that underscore his elite efficiency. Beyond the box score, Jackson’s mobility and field vision masked protection breakdowns and kept defenses off balance, making the Ravens a constant scoring threat. His improvisational ability turned broken plays into game-changing moments, the kind that only a handful of quarterbacks in NFL history can consistently produce.
The difference without him has been drastic. In the two games since his injury, the Ravens have averaged just six and a half points per game and 251.8 total yards per outing. That production isn’t merely below average; it’s alarming for any professional offense. Even with Derrick Henry’s 122 rushing yards on 24 carries against the Rams, Baltimore’s attack remained lifeless, managing only three points and failing to score on three consecutive plays from the one-yard line to close the first half. What was once a dynamic offense now looks stagnant and disjointed, with no clear answer under center and no spark to ignite momentum.
This level of collapse is far beyond the standard dip expected when a franchise quarterback is sidelined; it exposes how much Jackson’s presence covers up Baltimore’s weaknesses. The offensive line’s inconsistency, questionable situational play-calling, and a defense that often requires the offense to score 30 points just to stay competitive have all been shielded for years by Jackson’s skill set. His dual-threat game stretches defenses, opens lanes for teammates, and creates opportunities others simply can’t. Without him, Baltimore’s flaws are glaring, and the team’s struggles are undeniable. The last two weeks have essentially removed any plausible deniability about who truly makes this team tick.
Critics have long downplayed Jackson’s value, pointing to stars like Henry, Zay Flowers, and Mark Andrews as evidence that his job was easier. Last season, this argument even swayed MVP voters to choose Josh Allen over Jackson despite his historic campaign. Yet even with Henry’s Sunday performance against Los Angeles, Baltimore failed to score a touchdown, proving that those supporting pieces mean little without Jackson’s orchestration. This truth has been consistent throughout his career: since entering the league eight years ago, Baltimore is just 4-12 in games he has missed mid-season. That’s not a coincidence; it’s a glaring statistical indictment of how much the team depends on him, not just for production, but for leadership, rhythm, and identity. His absence this year has made that reality visible to everyone, and any questioning of his value should be permanently put to rest.
