Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry get Ravens off to quick start in AFC wild-card game

Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry get Ravens off to quick start in AFC wild-card game

If the Baltimore Ravens are going to capture their first Super Bowl since 2012, Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry will likely have everything to do with it.

The Lombardi Trophy glimmers are still far down the road, but the offensive duo, at least thus far, has more than held up their end of the bargain.

Lamar Jackson celebrates with Tylan Wallace after throwing a pᴀss for a touchdown during the second quarter of the Ravens-Steelers AFC wild-card playoff game. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

Through the first half of the Ravens’ AFC wild-card matchup against the Steelers in Baltimore, Jackson and Henry have combined for 164 rushing yards and three total touchdowns. 

Jackson was 13-of-15 on completions with 144 pᴀssing yards in the first half as the Ravens took to the locker room with a 21-0 lead.

Baltimore reached the end zone on their first drive of the game — a methodical 13 play, 95-yard undertaking capped by a 15-yard touchdown pᴀss to wide receiver Rashod Bateman. 

The biggest play of the drive came several snaps earlier when Henry took a direct snap and busted his way to the Steelers’ 12-yard-line, a gain of 34.

The Ravens’ second drive of the game was something of an outlier — lasting just six plays.

Derrick Henry dives for a touchdown during the second quarter of the Ravens-Steelers AFC wild-card game. Getty Images

However, Baltimore bounced back, with the third and fourth drives looking similar to the first.

Henry accounted for the Ravens’ second touchdown — an 8-yard run at the end of a 13 play, 85-yard drive — and Jackson hooked up with running back Justice Hill on the third score of the evening.

That latter scoring drive — nine plays, 90 yards — took only 1:51.

Justice Hill scores on a touchdown pᴀss from Lamar Jackson during the first half of the Ravens-Steelers playoff game. AP

Baltimore has dominated on both sides of the ball, with Mike Tomlin and the Steelers mustering together just 59 total yards in the half compared to the Ravens’ 308.

“It’s Lamar, man — he’s making plays, he’s extending plays when they get behind the chains,” the Steelers head coach told Amazon Prime’s sideline reporter as he head for the locker room. “We just got to be more solid. We have to possess the ball and we haven’t done that enough.”

Related Posts

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell reveals why he rejected Aaron Rodgers as he lifts lid on talks with veteran QB

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell reveals why he rejected Aaron Rodgers as he lifts lid on talks with veteran QB

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has revealed he turned down the chance to sign Aaron Rodgers as he’s focused on doing what’s best for the ‘future’…

Cops make major breakthrough after ex-NFL star robbed at gunpoint on his birthday

Cops make major breakthrough after ex-NFL star robbed at gunpoint on his birthday

An arrest has been made in a string of robberies and burglaries targeting pro athletes in the Seattle area, including a now-retired Seahawks legend who was robbed…

Kansas City Chiefs linked with bombshell trade for million Cleveland Browns star

Kansas City Chiefs linked with bombshell trade for $57million Cleveland Browns star

After trading away a big-money offensive lineman contract in the form of Joe Thuney, the Kansas City Chiefs have been linked to trade for a different big-money…

NFL player and rapper spark dating rumors by starring in racy music video

NFL player and rapper spark dating rumors by starring in racy music video

NFL star Xavier Legette and famous rapper GloRilla have sparked mᴀssive dating rumors after the Carolina Panther wide receiver starred in her racy music video. GloRilla’s latest…

Super Bowl winner ᴅᴇᴀᴅ after being hospitalized in May from a stroke

Super Bowl winner ᴅᴇᴀᴅ after being hospitalized in May from a stroke

Former Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Tom Rafferty, who won Super Bowl XII with the team, pᴀssed away in Windsor, Colorado on Thursday at the age of 70….

Derrick Henry’s spot in future Adam Sandler film hinges on cracking this NFL milestone

Derrick Henry’s spot in future Adam Sandler film hinges on cracking this NFL milestone

Coming to the big screen near you: Adam Sandler and Derrick Henry (maybe). This week, Baltimore’s star running back revealed to Dan Patrick, a good friend of…