The awards have started rolling in for Lamar Jackson, and the Ravens hope there's many more to come.
Jackson has been named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week after his brilliant performance Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. The 22-yard Jackson threw for a career-high 324 yards and five touchdown passes.
It's Jackson's first player of the week award, though he was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month last December.
The award caps what was a record-setting performance. The Ravens set a franchise record for points scored during their 59-10 victory, surpassing the 55 points they scored against the Oakland Raiders in 2012.
Completing 17 of 20 passes, Jackson's 85 percent completion rate was also a franchise record, and his perfect 158.3 perfect passer rating was the first ever in franchise history. At 22 years old, he became the youngest quarterback in NFL history to have a perfect passer rating.
After the game, Jackson threw shade at those who have criticized his ability to play quarterback in the NFL by saying, "Not bad for a running back." However, Jackson is remaining humble, knowing a long season lies ahead.
"We've got to move on to Arizona now," Jackson said. "That comment was just for those who always throw out negative stuff. But to be honest, I know what I am, and I know what I can be."
It was an explosive season debut for Jackson and the entire Ravens' offense. Jackson threw two touchdown passes to rookie wide receiver Marquise Brown, and a touchdown each to Miles Boykin, Willie Snead IV, and Patrick Ricard. The chemistry Jackson has built with his receiving corps, coupled with the hard work on his throwing mechanics during the offseason, paid immediate dividends.
The Week 1 performance meant more to Jackson because it occurred not far from his hometown of Pompano Beach, Fla., in front of family and friends. It's a memory Jackson will cherish, but he is already looking ahead.
"I'm not able to play close to home that much, so it was nice to put on a show with my teammates," Jackson said. "I wasn't counting the touchdowns. I just wanted to see four zeroes on the clock, with us in the lead. It was all fun. But have to keep stacking good games every week."
