Lamar Jackson’s Sack Rate Surges as Rushing Yards Decline

Lamar Jackson, the quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, has experienced a notable shift in his playing style this season. Renowned for his exceptional ability to run the ball, Jackson is currently facing challenges that have impacted his rushing statistics and sack rate.

Lamar Jackson’s Declining Rushing Performance

In the first half of the current season, Jackson has only registered 46 rushing attempts, accumulating 237 yards and scoring one touchdown. This translates to an average of just 29.6 rushing yards per game, marking a considerable drop from his career norm. Historically, Jackson has never averaged fewer than 50 rushing yards per game in any of his previous seasons.

Comparative Statistics

Here’s a closer look at Jackson’s performance this season compared to his career averages:

Issues with Mobility and Sacking

Jackson is also struggling with pass protection. He has been sacked on 11 percent of his dropbacks, the highest rate of his career. In comparison, he was sacked less frequently during past seasons, even with higher pass attempts. This season, despite only making 195 passes, he has experienced a higher number of sacks than in previous years where he had thrown more, such as his 474 passes last season.

Injuries and Recovery

Jackson has faced setbacks this season, including a hamstring injury that sidelined him for three games and a current toe injury. However, the Ravens have bounced back from a shaky start of 1-5, managing to win five consecutive games and securing the top position in the AFC North.

As the playoffs approach, a fully healthy and mobile Jackson could pose a significant challenge to opponents. Nevertheless, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if he can regain his previous form and capitalize on his unique rushing abilities.