Lamar Jackson’s performance has come under scrutiny, including from his own mother, Felicia Jones, following a disappointing loss for the Baltimore Ravens. In Week 13 of the 2024 season, Jackson rushed for 79 yards on eight attempts in a narrow 24-19 defeat against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Mother’s Criticism of Lamar Jackson’s Performance
Despite a commendable effort, Jackson’s performance was criticized by Jones. She expressed disappointment over missed opportunities where Jackson could have utilized his speed more effectively. Jackson revealed her reaction during a postgame conference, stating, “She just cussed me out, so I’m mad.” He acknowledged her feedback, noting that there were lanes he could have exploited instead of focusing solely on developing passing routes.
Jackson’s Game Overview
- Completed 23 of 36 passes
- 237 passing yards
- 2 touchdowns
- No interceptions
Even with these numbers, Jackson felt that they were insufficient given the outcome. He expressed frustration, stating, “We should have put more points on the board.” Jackson emphasized the collective nature of team performance, recognizing that every player could contribute more.
Rushing Game Challenges
Jackson has struggled to maintain his usual rushing success this season. His average of 5.75 rushing attempts per game is a career-low, significantly lower than his average of 9.55 attempts. This decline in rushing has raised concerns about his explosiveness and willingness to take chances with the ball.
Health Issues Affecting Performance
The decline in rushing attempts can be partially attributed to ongoing health issues. Jackson has been dealing with knee discomfort, as well as ankle and toe problems, which have limited his practice time. He mentioned that despite these challenges, his goal remains to win games, stating, “I don’t really pay attention to the number of rushes I have.”
He also pointed out the depth of his team’s running game, highlighting other players, such as Derrick Henry and Keaton Mitchell, as valuable assets. Jackson’s focus is on contributing to the team’s victory rather than individual statistics.
