X-factor: Can the Falcons stop Jackson?
The Falcons are set to face Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, a fleet runner who is still developing as an NFL passer, at 1 p.m. Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
In two starts, Jackson ran 26 times for 118 yards in a 24-21 win over the Bengals on Nov. 18. He ran 11 times for 77 yards in a 34-17 win over the Raiders on Sunday.
“I see his ability to throw it on the move,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. “That’s an added element that you see.”
Jackson isn’t much of a passer yet. He completed 14 of 25 passes for 178 yards against the Raiders. He had one touchdown pass, two interceptions and finished with a passer rating of 58.4.
In his start against the Bengals, he completed 13 of 19 passes for 150 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. He finished with a passer rating of 70.1.
“I see an accurate passer,” Quinn said. “I see a guy with a quick release that can get rid of the ball to the proper guys.”
Jackson, because of his speed, has been compared with former Falcons quarterback Michael Vick.
This will be Jackson’s first start on the road if Joe Flacco, who returned to practice Thursday, can’t play.
“I love road games,” Jackson said. “I just to try make the crowd turn to our (side), make it be like our home environment.”
About the Author
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
