“Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson makes the most of short week”

After Sunday's 41-10 win over the Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens players praised star quarterback Lamar Jackson, calling him “MV3” and “Lamarvelous.” Because how could it be otherwise when Jackson completed 16 of 19 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns, earning a perfect passer rating for the fourth time in his career?

That alone would be impressive enough, but in the context of this week, Jackson's performance becomes even more impressive. The two-time MVP missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday because of back and knee injuries, although head coach John Harbaugh said he was simply resting.

As a result, Jackson was in a rough patch when he returned to practice on Friday, but you would never know it based on his performance on Sunday.

“I just knew what the job was,” Jackson said after the game. “I definitely studied these guys. Working with (quarterbacks) Coach Tee (Martin) and just putting in extra work just because I wasn't out there. (I just watched training and studied film on these guys – that's pretty much it.” And God, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. That's why we have so much success week after week.

Jackson has battled injuries big and small throughout his career, but a performance like this in a short week will always be impressive.

The Broncos' defense was statistically one of the best in the league heading into this game, but that meant nothing to Jackson as he picked them apart all day. This is a testament not only to Jackson's physical abilities, but also to his football IQ.

“(I) just took advantage of what (the defense) gave me,” Jackson said. “(I) just gave my guys the ball and let them execute. 'Nelly' (Nelson Agholor), 'Bate' (Rashod Bateman), 'Zay' (Isaiah Likely), 'Little Zay' (Zay Flowers). Mark (Andrews), Pat (Ricard), Justice (Hill), I can go on, but just the offensive line doing a great job blocking made my job a lot easier.

As if one short week wasn't enough, Jackson and the Ravens have another one ahead of them when they take on the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football. However, if he plays like he did on Sunday, they will be in good hands again.

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