Lamar Jackson Shines with 4 TDs in Ravens vs. Dolphins Return

Lamar Jackson returned as the starting quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, leading his team to a decisive 28-6 victory over the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. The game, which took place on Thursday Night Football, marked Jackson’s first start since Week 4, following a hamstring injury that had sidelined him. He showcased exceptional performance, throwing four touchdown passes and achieving a passer rating of 143.2.

Ravens’ Offensive Performance

In addition to Jackson’s impressive throws, running back Derrick Henry contributed significantly with 119 rushing yards on 19 carries. Despite a rocky start, the Ravens’ offense turned the tide in the second half, scoring two touchdowns as they gained momentum. They entered halftime with a narrow lead of 14-6 but quickly established their dominance after the break.

First Half Struggles

The Ravens initially struggled, gaining only four first downs in the first half. Jackson appeared to be finding his rhythm after a long absence, as he was hesitant to run and had difficulty connecting with his receivers. This sluggish performance was in stark contrast to the explosive offensive display the team is capable of.

Defensive Contributions

The Ravens’ defense also played a critical role, as Miami committed multiple turnovers. The Dolphins finished the game with similar yardage to Baltimore, but turnovers proved costly. They lost the ball three times and made critical mistakes, such as a failed fourth-down conversion that halted potential scoring drives.

Dolphins’ Missed Opportunities

• Inconsistent play: The Dolphins recorded 225 yards but fumbled the ball inside their own 20-yard line.
• Missed field goal: Riley Patterson failed to convert a 35-yard attempt.
• Bad play calls: A curious fade route pass on fourth-and-2 ended up ineffective.
• Critical turnovers: Malik Washington’s fumble ended a promising drive late in the game.

Future Outlook

This defeat has raised concerns among Dolphins fans, as visible frustration was evident during the game. The team has struggled to find a rhythm and the repeated mistakes have impacted their performance. Head Coach Mike McDaniel’s job security has become a hot topic amidst growing disappointment from fans.

Miami will have a brief respite before facing the Buffalo Bills on November 9 and will also host the Washington Commanders in Week 11 before their bye week.

With Jackson’s return, the Ravens are aiming for a playoff push, currently sitting with a record of 3-5 and looking to close the gap on the leading Pittsburgh Steelers.