Lamar Jackson/ Baltimore Ravens/ Tampa Bay Buccaneers/ NFL Week 7/ Lamar Jackson MVP/ Ravens win streak/ Mike Evans injury/ Chris Godwin injury/ Newslooks/ TAMPA/ Fla./ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Lamar Jackson delivered a stellar performance with 281 passing yards and five touchdowns, leading the Baltimore Ravens to a 41-31 comeback victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Ravens extended their winning streak to five games, while the Bucs suffered from the loss of receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin to injuries. Jackson’s dominant night also improved his remarkable 23-1 record against NFC teams.
Lamar Jackson’s 5 Touchdowns Power Ravens Past Buccaneers: Quick Looks
- Lamar Jackson threw for 281 yards and 5 touchdowns, propelling the Ravens to a 41-31 victory over the Buccaneers.
- Baltimore extended its winning streak to five games, rallying from a 10-point deficit early in the game.
- Bucs’ top receivers, Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (ankle), left the game due to injuries.
- Baltimore’s defense turned the tide with two interceptions from Marlon Humphrey, helping secure the win.
- The Ravens improved to 5-2 and continue to lead the NFL with over 1,400 rushing yards this season.
Lamar Jackson Shines with 5 TDs, Ravens Rally to Defeat Buccaneers 41-31
Deep Look:
Lamar Jackson continued his MVP-caliber season on Monday night, throwing for 281 yards and five touchdowns to lead the Baltimore Ravens to a 41-31 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The win extended Baltimore’s streak to five games, as they overcame an early 10-0 deficit in Tampa Bay.
The game started with the Bucs taking control, thanks to a 25-yard touchdown catch from Mike Evans, marking the 100th touchdown reception of his career. However, Evans later left the game with a hamstring injury after nearly catching a second touchdown pass in the second quarter. The Bucs’ offense further suffered a blow when star receiver Chris Godwin was carted off late in the fourth quarter with a severe ankle injury, adding to the team’s struggles.
Despite the early deficit, Jackson rallied the Ravens, completing 17 of 22 passes without an interception. He connected for two touchdowns with tight end Mark Andrews and added three more, including a 49-yard strike to Rashod Bateman, an 18-yard pass to Justice Hill, and an 11-yard toss to Derrick Henry, who also rushed for 169 yards on 15 carries. Jackson’s dynamic performance improved his NFL-best 23-1 record against NFC opponents.
“I’m just trying to win,” Jackson said post-game, reflecting on his dominant performance. “It’s about the team, and I’m glad we pulled through tonight.”
Baltimore’s defense, after a slow start, played a pivotal role in the victory. Marlon Humphrey’s two interceptions in the second quarter, one of which occurred in the end zone, shifted the momentum. The Ravens capitalized on these turnovers with a touchdown and a Justin Tucker field goal, taking a 17-10 lead into halftime.
Ravens tight end Mark Andrews praised Jackson’s competitive nature: “He’s the ultimate competitor. He makes play after play and does it better than anyone. He’s the MVP.”
On the other side, Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield finished the game with 370 yards and three touchdowns but was hindered by two interceptions. Evans’ touchdown placed him in elite company alongside Hall of Famers like Jerry Rice and Randy Moss, but his exit marked a turning point for Tampa Bay’s offense.
“He’s a player, we were still trying to win the ballgame,” said Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles when asked about Godwin’s injury in the final minutes. Bowles defended keeping his top receiver on the field, despite the game being out of reach.
Jackson’s precision and ability to spread the ball, along with a potent rushing attack, enabled the Ravens to dominate possession, scoring on seven of their nine drives before Jackson was pulled with under two minutes remaining. Derrick Henry’s 169 rushing yards complemented Jackson’s passing efforts as the Ravens improved their season record to 5-2.
In the fourth quarter, Henry capped off Baltimore’s scoring spree with a touchdown reception, stretching the Ravens’ lead to 41-18. Tampa Bay responded with two late touchdowns, aided by a successful onside kick recovery, but their comeback hopes were cut short when Godwin suffered his injury on a 21-yard reception.
Key Injuries:
- Ravens: Marlon Humphrey (knee) left the game after his second interception and did not return.
- Buccaneers: Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (ankle) exited the game due to injuries. Safety Tykee Smith also left the game with a concussion.
Up Next:
- Ravens: Travel to face the Cleveland Browns, their AFC North rival, next Sunday.
- Buccaneers: Host the Atlanta Falcons in a crucial NFC South matchup on Sunday.
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