Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has dual-threat ability, but the ups and downs of his game performances are showing forth psychological duality. Jackson and the Ravens haven’t played to their potential in 2025, but with a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in week 14, they can move into first place in the AFC North. The question is, which version of Jackson will fans get to see this upcoming Sunday?
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 23: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the New York Jets at M&T Bank Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Jackson hasn’t thrown a passing touchdown since week 10, but his offense did tally a few costly turnovers versus the Cincinnati Bengals last Thursday. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken has openly disregarded reproof, but Jackson has shown subtle signs of agitation in press conferences that hint at the issue. Nevertheless, all of Jackson’s scorn could be easily dismissed if he would just show up and show out. Jackson had impeccable stats last season, throwing for more than 4,000 passing yards and 41 touchdowns, but 2025 hasn’t even shown us a glimpse of a replication. Understanding the spectrum from good to bad is almost mind-shattering for most people, and Jackson has appeared to exhibit the same tendencies as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
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The Buffalo Bills have been up and down this season as well, but they convincingly pummeled the Pittsburgh Steelers for 259 rushing yards in week 13. On the other hand, Jackson and the Ravens haven’t won convincingly since defeating the New York Jets 23-10 in week 12. Even in that game, Jackson struggled to get the offense going in the first half, as he also did in week 13. Jackson isn’t projected to be the league MVP this season, nor are the Ravens projected to win the Super Bowl. Yet, if they can end the 2025 season on a winning streak, an opportunity at the Lombardi Trophy would remain.
In the end, potential can’t continue to be the currency used to convince critics that Jackson’s name belongs with the elite. Sadly, while Jackson and the Ravens are just one victory away from taking the lead in the AFC North, they are also one loss away from potentially squandering a chance at making the 2025 NFL playoffs.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens QB Lamar Jackson must end his strange case of Jekyll & Hyde