The Lamar Jackson playoff narrative took another hit Saturday night at M&T Bank Stadium, and Jackson appears poised to slay it once and for all.
Jackson had his best complete playoff game yet in the Ravens' dominant 28-14 win over the rival Pittsburgh Steelers in the wild-card round, and the Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades reflected that.
Jackson's 92.9 grade is the best of his seven career playoff games by a wide margin. His previous high was last season's divisional playoff win against the Houston Texans (83.9).
Jackson only attempted 21 passes, but he completed 16 for 175 and two touchdowns. His running jumpstarted the Ravens offense, as he scampered for 81 yards on 15 carries. He and Derrick Henry combined to drive Baltimore's rushing attack that put up 299 yards.
"The X factor was Lamar's unique talents," Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin said. "It seems like every time we got him behind the sticks, he made up for it, or we got him in a possession down circumstance, and he extended and won those circumstances. We never really found a fluid answer all day, obviously."
The 92.9 grade is Jackson's second highest of this season, just a tick behind his 93 grade versus the Denver Broncos in Week 9.
"I see Lamar on a mission," tight end Isaiah Likely said.
Here's a look at the other takeaways from the grades and snap counts:
- Center Tyler Linderbaum had a fantastic game, paving the way for Henry on his devastating inside runs. Linderbaum's 86.5 grade was his second-highest mark of the season (91.5 versus Dallas in Week 3). It's particularly noteworthy considering Linderbaum was going against Steelers Pro Bowl defensive lineman Cameron Heyward.
- Likely had three catches for a team-high 53 yards and earned his highest grade (82.3) since Week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs (91.8). With wide receiver Zay Flowers (knee) out, the Ravens leaned heavily on their tight ends. Likely played a season-high 80% of the offensive snaps.
- Steven Sims and Anthony Miller played 18% and 12% of the offensive snaps, respectively. Miller made three grabs for 12 yards and Sims had a carry for 15 yards.
- Cornerback Brandon Stephens played 100% of the snaps for the first time since Week 8. Cornerback Tre'Davious White played nine snaps (20%).
- Rookie right tackle Roger Rosengarten held All-Pro Steelers outside linebacker blank in the box score – zero tackles or sacks. Yet Rosengarten got a 46.2 pass blocking grade from PFF, which credited him with five pressures allowed.
- Outside linebacker Odafe Oweh was credited with five pressures and earned his highest grade since Week 4 against Buffalo.
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