As the Baltimore Ravens get ready for their Week 8 matchup with the Cleveland Browns, they seem to have fully turned the corner. They started the year 0-2, leading to much speculation and questions about the roster.
But since then, they have won five straight games and have looked dominant on the field. The Ravens have used a blend of their running game and passing attack to beat teams, led by star quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Jackson is a two-time MVP but has seemed to get even better this season. His opponents have taken note of his performance, with Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz throwing some high praise, with some hint of a backhanded compliment, onto Jackson ahead of their matchup this week.
"He's gone from a run-first quarterback to a pass-first quarterback that can make plays with his feet," Cleveland defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said, via the Browns' official team website. "They've pretty much opened the whole passing game up to him and he can rely on that, but he also has those legs that he can make explosive plays."
Jackson has always had the ability to be a great passer in the league but he needed time to learn how to fully read defenses. He has been criticized over and over for running the ball too much so the comments from Schwartz can come off as backhanded.
However, he has proved any doubters wrong time and time again. This season, he has thrown for 1,810 yards with 15 touchdowns and just two interceptions.
On the ground, he has rushed for 455 yards and two scores. His dual-threat abilities have been on full display and the Ravens have heavily benefitted from his strong performance this season.
He has taken his play to another level and another MVP award could be in his sights. Even players have noticed, with Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah weighing in on him.
"When we say there's another level, it's just like, alright, like we didn't know there was another level because he's been playing on such a great level and high level," Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah said when asked if Jackson has stepped his game up this season. "He's using his feet, he's doing miraculous plays, extending plays as all great quarterbacks do."
If Jackson can continue this strong play, the Ravens will likely ascend to the top of the AFC this year. He has been special and it seems like there is no slowing him down this season.
For more Ravens news, make sure to head over to Newsweek Sports.
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