Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is stepping into his MVP form—and into his magician’s suit—during the final stretch of the 2023 season.
The 2018 NFL MVP pulled off such an incredible move in Week 17’s 56—19 win over the Miami Dolphins that a defender on the opposing team couldn’t help but give Jackson his due credit.
After the game, Dolphins safety Jevon Holland broke down Jackson’s downfield throw to Zay Flowers for a touchdown in the second quarter. The play looked like a busted coverage for Miami, given how open Flowers was on the sideline; however, Holland explained that Jackson’s clever wizardry fooled the entire Dolphins’ defense.
“[Jackson] dropped back left-handed and turned his shoulders and threw the ball right-handed,” Holland told Dolphins radio hosts Channing Crowder and Marc Hochman. “Like, I’m seeing it because I got my eyes on him. I’m in fire zone, so we’re dropping down, and I’m like, ‘Why is he dropping back like he’s about to throw the ball with his left hand?’ Then he flips his shoulders, throws a dime to Zay Flowers at the sideline. I was like, ‘Hmm, that was pretty dope.’”
.@Lj_era8 dropped back like he was throwing lefty and then threw it righty.
— NFL (@NFL) January 3, 2024
Playing on another level. 💯 (via @OfficialCrowder, @MarcHochman) pic.twitter.com/IeuBGzEdSq
Jackson finished the game with 321 passing yards and five touchdowns against zero interceptions as the Ravens dismantled yet another Super Bowl hopeful and clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
Currently, Jackson is the favorite to win the league MVP award, and after a performance like that against the Dolphins, it’s hard to argue against his elite quarterback play. Jackson and the Ravens will look to continue their magical run against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the regular season finale.
