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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson isn’t backing down from criticism as his team heads into one of the most important games of the season. With Baltimore clinging to playoff hopes at 6-7, Jackson defended his decision to take a designated rest day this week ahead of Sunday’s critical road matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. As temperatures are expected to hover near single digits at kickoff, the Ravens are relying on their franchise quarterback to lead them through adversity — even as questions swirl about his recent dip in production.

Lamar Jackson Explains His Rest Day Decision

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is a perfect 4-0 in Cincinnati, where he has thrown 15 touchdown passes and one interception
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Jackson addressed his midweek absence from practice head-on, explaining that recovery remains his top priority after battling multiple lower-body injuries over the past month.

“I feel like rest is one of the most important things when you’re recovering from any injury,” Jackson told ESPN reporters Thursday.

This marked the first time in four weeks that Jackson’s missed practice was officially listed as a rest day and not injury-related. Previously, he sat out one session per week due to knee, ankle, and toe issues. Despite the limited practice time, Jackson has not appeared on the injury report as questionable or doubtful and has started every game during that stretch.

Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken acknowledged the challenges that come with missed practice reps but stressed accountability.

“Anytime a player, especially when your quarterback, is not able to practice, you’re talking not only the mental side of it but the timing with your receivers,” Monken said. “There are some challenges with that. There just is. It’s not just Lamar. You have to find a way to overcome that because nobody cares.”

Ravens’ Offense Searching for Consistency

Lamar Jackson has never lost three straight AFC North games as a starter.

After consecutive losses to the Bengals and Steelers, Ravens need a win today in Cincinnati.

When Jackson returned from a month-long hamstring absence earlier this season, he looked unstoppable, throwing four touchdown passes in a 28-6 win over the Miami Dolphins. Since then, the production has slowed considerably. Over the last five games, Jackson has thrown just two touchdown passes total, marking the longest stretch of his career without multiple passing touchdowns in a game, according to NBC Sports research.

Still, there were encouraging signs last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jackson showed his trademark speed and burst, and he likely would have finished with a second touchdown pass if tight end Isaiah Likely’s overturned score had stood. Ravens coaches believe the timing and execution will follow as Jackson continues to regain rhythm.

Head coach John Harbaugh supported his quarterback’s approach.

“Sure, you’d rather have everybody practicing all the time, but if it’s not the best thing to practice because you want to get your body right, you have to respect that as a coach,” Harbaugh said. “I respect Lamar and his judgment.”

Statistically, the Ravens’ offense has struggled during Jackson’s reduced workload. Over the past four weeks, he has completed fewer than 60% of his passes, with one touchdown and four interceptions. His 39.6 QBR during that span ranks 22nd in the NFL. That marks a sharp contrast from last season, when Jackson set career highs with 4,172 passing yards and 41 touchdowns.

Cold Conditions Add Another Challenge in Cincinnati

A look at a brutally cold Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, where there is ice on the field and snow on the seats for Ravens at Bengals.

The current temperature is 3 degrees with a minus-13 wind chill.

Sunday’s matchup at Paycor Stadium won’t offer any comfort. NFL Network’s Bridget Condon reported temperatures as low as minus-1 earlier in the day, with kickoff expected around 11 degrees — potentially the coldest game in Ravens history. While it won’t surpass Cincinnati’s infamous 1982 AFC Championship freeze, the conditions will test both teams.

The Ravens are seeking revenge after a 32-14 loss to the Bengals on Thanksgiving night in Baltimore. With four games remaining, Baltimore can still win the AFC North by winning out, keeping the path to a third straight division title alive.

“I feel like we just played them yesterday, but we’re looking forward to new results and a different ending,” Jackson said, via the Ravens official website.

Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.

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