Lamar Jackson isn't playing around when it comes to keeping the Ravens focused.
The two-time MVP confirmed that he asked Head Equipment Manager Kenico Hines to remove the ping pong table, pinball machine, and other entertainment from the locker room after the Ravens' loss to the Chiefs in Week 4.
"I told [Hines] to take all the games, ping pong, turn the TVs off," Jackson said. "If we could've taken the TVs out, they'd have been out, too. I appreciate [Ravens Owner] Mr. Steve [Bisciotti] for putting that in there for us, but we had to focus.
"I wouldn't say people don't take their job serious, don't get me wrong. But I didn't think feel like it was the time for that. We've got a lot to work do."
After the Ravens broke their four-game losing streak last Sunday, Jackson was asked what it would take for the games to return.
"Keep winning," Jackson said. "But we're not going to have them the rest of the year, so keep winning. [Maybe] next year, OTAs or something. But right now, that's not the focus."
Jackson was frustrated being sidelined for three games and watching the Ravens fall to 1-5 before their victory against the Chicago Bears. But Jackson said he never felt the season had been lost.
The Ravens will need a strong finish to reach the playoffs, and Jackson wants everyone focused on that challenge. He feels the team's mindset is where it needs to be and is excited to rejoin the battle against the Miami Dolphins on "Thursday Night Football."
"I've got a great group of guys on my team," Jackson said. "I feel like we've always got a chance to make something happen. I still do."
Jackson Sees Offense Taking Off Moving Forward
After leading the NFL in total offense in 2024, the Ravens are ranked 21st heading into Week 9. Even before Jackson's injury, the offense wasn't functioning with the consistency that players and coaches had grown accustomed to.
The victory over Chicago was a step in the right direction. The Ravens put up 30 points without Jackson, and Head Coach John Harbaugh praised the play calling of Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken.
"The offensive coaches had a great game plan," Harbaugh said. "I thought Todd was ... his play calling was just incredible."
Jackson sees no reason why the offense shouldn't take off in the second half of the season. He is surrounded by proven weapons and believes in Monken's ability to help the pieces work together.
"We've been winning all these games over the years with [Monken]," Jackson said. "To start off with a slow season, I feel like everybody plays a part in their own way."
Jackson was asked what it would take for the offense to continue rolling.
"Execute, each and every drive, stay ahead of the sticks, put points on the board," Jackson said.
Broderick Washington Jr. Will Have Surgery
Defensive lineman Broderick Washington Jr. will have surgery on his ankle, Harbaugh said.
"I don't know what kind of details I can get into right now. It kind of came out of the blue on that one," Harbaugh said.
Harbaugh didn't say whether the surgery would be season-ending. Washington and defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike, who is out for the year with a neck injury, have been on injured reserve since Sept. 27.
With the duo sidelined, Brent Urban, John Jenkins, C.J. Okoye, and Taven Bryan have seen increased roles.
Ravens Confident in Making Short Turnaround
Baltimore will hold its final practice of the week Wednesday before flying to Miami hours later.
There hasn't been much time for preparation or recovery, but the Ravens are eager to get back on the field following the win over the Bears.
"I think to get the quick turnaround is kind of good for us, just to get back to it," Kyle Hamilton said.
"It's more about just coming out, doing your jobs, and it's a game that we're very prepared for and excited about," Roquan Smith added.
Like the Ravens, the Dolphins are coming off their second win of the season after they defeated the Falcons, 34-10, on Sunday. Hamilton said the Ravens must turn all their focus toward winning back-to-back games for the first time this season to remain in the playoff mix.
"It's up to us to go out there and play a solid game," Hamilton said. "We're kind of in the same boat at this position. The records are similar, and we're both fighting for our postseason lives right now."
