Steelers showdown is a “must win” for Lamar Jackson, feels Dan Orlovsky
Dan Orlovsky emphasized the significance of a win in the upcoming game against the Steelers for the Ravens’ quarterback Lamar Jackson.
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Lamar Jackson and Dan Orlovsky (Via ESPN/Imago)
With a 9-5 record, the Baltimore Ravens are preparing for a pivotal matchup against their divisional rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers. This upcoming game, set for Week 16, is not just another regular season game as it carries weight in the context of Lamar Jackson’s career and the Ravens’ playoff aspirations.
Speaking about the thrilling AFC North matchup on ESPN’s Get Up, former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky emphasized the significance of the game for the Ravens’ quarterback, given that historically, the two-time NFL MVP has faced difficulties against the Steelers, holding a 1-4 record as a starter.
His performance against the Steelers has often been underwhelming as the sports analyst pointed out that the Steelers have a unique ability to make Jackson play differently than he typically does.
Must win. It’s a must-win for Lamar. It’s a must-play-well for Lamar. This is the one team that gets Lamar to play in a way he never plays. It gets him to play and become somebody he never becomes… And when I say he becomes somebody different, Lamar is this unbelievable talent. He’s got this free style of play but when he plays against the Steelers, he shrinks up.
Dan Orlovsky said when asked how crucial the upcoming game against the Steelers is for Jackson
"It's a must-win for Lamar. It's a must-play-well for Lamar." ?
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) December 19, 2024
—@danorlovsky7 on Lamar Jackson as he prepares to take on the Steelers on Saturday pic.twitter.com/yVvrt0EKq9
In the upcoming weekend game, the three-time Pro Bowler needs to rewrite his narrative against the divisional rivals, who are currently in contention to secure the AFC North title. If the Ravens succeed with a victory, they would be tied with the Steelers for the divisional title.
Patrick Queen discusses Lamar Jackson’s challenges against Steelers
While talking about Jackson’s struggle against the Steelers, Orlovsky also elaborated that while the Steelers’ defense respects the Ravens star quarterback, they do not fear him, which is crucial in a rivalry where he has struggled.
Linebacker Patrick Queen, who previously played for the Ravens before joining the Steelers this offseason, has also addressed the matter.
I think anytime he can make a play, he’s going to try to make that play. I don’t think he tries to hold anything back, especially at the end of the season. There’s no holding back on him. You definitely see that now, him lowering his shoulder, him stiff-arming a guy out of bounds — which is crazy — just him pushing the ball downfield is just a whole lot more plays he’s trying to make.
Patrick Queen said, via The Associated Press
Jackson’s highest passer rating in a full game against the Steelers is just 80.1. Meanwhile, he has excelled against other teams this season, boasting a passer rating of 120.7. If the Ravens secure the victory in Week 16, it would demonstrate that they are capable of competing at a high level against their long-time rivals.
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Pratyusha Srivastava
(2078 Articles Published)