Baltimore's weather was unusually warm in October, and so was Lamar Jackson.
Leading the Ravens to a 3-1 record in their last four games while averaging 310.3 yards passing with 12 touchdown passes, Jackson has been named AFC Offensive Player of the Month. He has won the honor four times in his career, including in December of 2023 when Jackson closed the season strong to win his second MVP award.
Jackson is having another MVP-caliber campaign, leading the league in quarterback rating (115.4), total yards (2,600,) and quarterback rushing yards (501), and he is second in the league with 17 passing touchdowns compared to just two interceptions. In addition to throwing with high accuracy (66.9 completion percentage), he is averaging a career-high 8.9 yards per pass attempt, attacking downfield and producing big plays.
Jackson was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week two times in October (Weeks 5 & 7). His month began with a 41-38 overtime win against the Cincinnati Bengals, when he led Baltimore to a come-from-behind victory after trailing by 10 points twice in the fourth quarter.
While throwing for a season-high 348 yards and four touchdowns in Cincinnati, Jackson added another jaw-dropping play to his collection. After fumbling the snap, Jackson scrambled to buy more time and stiff-armed 265-pound defensive end Sam Hubbard twice to escape. He then launched a leaping throw from the 20-yard line into the end zone while being hit by Bengals linebacker Jermaine Pratt. Isaiah Likely leapt between three defenders, including former Ravens safety Geno Stone, to make a spectacular touchdown catch.
After throwing for 323 yards against the Washington Commanders in Week 6, Jackson was on fire again on "Monday Night Football" in Week 7. Jackson tied his career-high with five touchdown passes during a 41-31 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and in addition to the Jackson Five, he threw a lead block on a 39-yard run by Derrick Henry.
Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns capped Jackson's month, and while the Ravens lost a 29-24 decision, Jackson had another strong day (23-of-38, 289 yards, two touchdowns). He jumpstarted Baltimore's offense late in the first half when he ripped an 11-yard touchdown pass to Nelson Agholor just before halftime and made some plays to give Baltimore a chance to win.
Jackson is chasing a Super Bowl and doesn't focus on individual accolades, but his month of October was one to remember.
"He's the best player in the league," Henry said after the Bengals game. "He's the G.O.A.T for a reason."
