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BALTIMORE – Marvin Lewis, coach of the Cincinnati Bengals, has questioned Lamar Jackson's longevity after the Ravens rookie's first-round pick has run the ball more times than any other Super Bowl quarterback.
"Quarterbacks do not run forever in the NFL," Lewis said after losing 24-21 to Baltimore. "Sooner or later, they hurt themselves and do not run the same way, but today he could run and did a good job."
In his debut, Jackson ran 27 times (including three kneeling at the end of the game), five more than any other quarter since 1960, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. His 117 rushing yards were the most quarter-in four years.
Prolific quarterbacks like Randall Cunningham, Donovan McNabb, Daunte Culpepper and Michael Vick all suffered at least one significant career-ending injury. Jackson took only a few hard shots in Sunday's game, but he had big shots in the pre-season because he chose not to slip. Ravens coach John Harbaugh does not expect Jackson to run the ball as much as Sunday.
"I think that's what Lamar felt was needed today," Harbaugh said. "I do not think it will take as many litters every week – it's not what we're aiming for, anyway." But if it's as much as Lamar will do it. I think they knew the quarterback was going to throw the ball in. They were waiting for him a bit, as you would expect, and that's something we need to consider moving forward. "
Replacing the injured Joe Flacco (hip), Jackson threw the ball 19 times and made 13 assists. Flacco should not play Sunday, so Baltimore may not have to make a decision at the quarterback before two weeks.
If the Ravens stick with Jackson, his racing style will cause pairing problems. The remaining six opponents of Baltimore rank in the bottom half of the NFL in defense against the race: Oakland (No. 31), Atlanta (No. 21), Kansas City (No. 22), Tampa Bay (No. 19) , Los Angeles Chargeurs (No. 18) and Cleveland (No. 28).
Jackson, the No. 32 pick in the repechage, was known for his ability to run in Louisville. He ran 4,132 yards in three seasons, averaging 17.2 run attempts per game. According to Pro Football Focus, 73% of Jackson's rushing yards are off-track.
"I think it's who Lamar is when you wrote it," said Eric Weddle of Ravens. "Why suddenly do you want to change what he does best? Look at what he did today. It was crazy, pretty amazing. It will only be better to start the The item that he can run is what makes Lamar Jackson.I hope something will never happen, but it's like that.You have to play his strengths, especially now when he's playing, I'm not worried about that, if you're worried about that, you should not, I did not write it. "
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