Lamar Jackson has up-and-down Hall of Fame Game in Baltimore Ravens debut
The Baltimore Ravens still are clearly Joe Flacco's team. Rookie QB Lamar Jackson showed some flashes but was overall consistent in his NFL debut in the Hall of Fame Game against the Chicago Bears.
Lamar Jackson has up-and-down Hall of Fame Game in Baltimore Ravens debut The Baltimore Ravens still are clearly Joe Flacco's team. Rookie QB Lamar Jackson showed some flashes but was overall consistent in his NFL debut in the Hall of Fame Game against the Chicago Bears. Check out this story on USATODAY.com: https://usat.ly/2KooMF4
Lorenzo Reyes, USA TODAY Published 11:54 p.m. ET Aug. 2, 2018 | Updated 12:46 a.m. ET Aug. 3, 2018
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In the Hall of Fame Game, Lamar Jackson completed 4 of 10 pass attempts, with one touchdown and one interception.(Photo: Joe Robbins, Getty Images)
The debut of Baltimore Ravens rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson started slowly, and he showed some flashes. But it was the inconsistent performance you'd come to expect from a rookie with a high ceiling, but a lot to learn.
Jackson's first three dropbacks resulted in scrambles. His first series ended in a three-and-out and a punt. He had some inaccurate throws, but also made plenty of plays that showed why the Ravens selected him with the last pick in the first round of the draft.
Entering the Ravens' 17-16 victory against the Chicago Bears in the Hall of Fame Game at the start of the second half, Jackson completed 4 of 10 passes for 33 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He ran the ball five times for 28 yards before taking three kneeldowns at the end of the game, each for a loss of a yard.
Jackson also took three sacks. So, despite any speculation that might have emerged that Jackson might make a push for legitimate playing time at quarterback, Baltimore is still very clearly Joe Flacco's team.
In Jackson's second drive, he scrambled for a gain of 10, converted a long third down, and threw his first career touchdown on a turnover-shortened field. The series started at Chicago's own 36-yard line, but ended with an eight-yard touchdown pass to tight end Hayden Hurst on a quick out route.
The FIRST touchdown of the @Lj_era8!
Put six on the board for the @Ravens. #CHIvsBAL
📺: NBC pic.twitter.com/nqSxcuDYxK
— NFL (@NFL) August 3, 2018
Jackson's night, however, continued to be inconsistent.
On his third series, Jackson misfired on a comeback route. He flung the ball on the inside of the route, while receiver Jaleel Scott was moving to the outside, allowing Bears corner Doran Grant to jump the pass and intercept the ball.
That @ChicagoBears defense: 🐻⬇️
And comes up with the PICK! #CHIvsBAL
📺: NBC pic.twitter.com/Wgrio5sGzX
Jackson was most dangerous when he dropped back, scanned the field, and used his threat to run. He showcased an ability to both extend a play and find a receiver down the field, as well as speed and burst to evade defenders on scrambles.
Still, Jackson will need to work on his accuracy and timing in anticipating throws, but overall, this was a positive first step that showed he was comfortable in the pocket.
Flacco, like many veterans from both teams, did not play Thursday night.
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Robert Griffin III, though, started the game, playing in his first contest since the regular-season finale of the 2016 season.
Griffin played well, completing seven of 11 throws for 58 yards, one touchdown, one interception and added three carries for nine yards. The pick wasn't Griffin's fault, as the first quarter throw was perfectly on target, but squirted out of receiver Breshad Perriman's hands and into those of Bears safety DeAndre Houston-Carson.
Fighting for a roster spot and the No. 2 job behind Flacco, Griffin made his case, showing prompt decision-making from the pocket and a good feel for pressure inside the pocket — despite playing with mostly second- and third-string players.
Follow USA TODAY Sports' Lorenzo Reyes on Twitter @LorenzoGReyes.
2018 Hall of Fame Game
Baltimore Ravens tight end Hayden Hurst (left) celebrates scoring a touchdown with quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) against the Chicago Bears in the second half at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Aaron Doster, USA TODAY Sports
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks to pass against the Chicago Bears in the second half at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Aaron Doster, USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy reacts during the Hall of Fame Game against the Baltimore Ravens at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. The Ravens defeated the Bears, 17-16. Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bears quarterback Tyler Bray (9) throws a pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the Hall of Fame Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) scrambles with the ball against the Chicago Bears in the second half at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Aaron Doster, USA TODAY Sports
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kamalei Correa (51) sacks Chicago Bears quarterback Chase Daniel (4) in the second quarter during the Hall of Fame Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
Baltimore Ravens defensive back Eric Weddle (32) stands on the sidelines against the Chicago Bears in the first half at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Aaron Doster, USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bears fullback Michael Burton (46) reacts to scoring a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the first half at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Aaron Doster, USA TODAY Sports
Baltimore Ravens tight end Maxx Williams reacts to scoring a touchdown against the Chicago Bears in the first half at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Aaron Doster, USA TODAY Sports
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Robert Griffin III (3) throws a touchdown pass to tight end Maxx Williams (87) against the Chicago Bears in the first half at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Aaron Doster, USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bears quaterback Mitchell Trubisky stands on the sideline during the Hall of Fame Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Robert Griffin III looks to pass against the Chicago Bears in the first half at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Aaron Doster, USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bears quarterback Chase Daniel throws a pass under pressure from Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Willie Henry (69) in the first quarter during the Hall of Fame Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker and 2018 enshrinee Ray Lewis is greeted by Ravens players during the Hall of Fame Game against the Chicago Bears at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bears former linebacker and 2018 enshrinee Brian Urlacher is greeted by Bears players during the Hall of Fame Game against the Baltimore Ravens at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson prior to the game against the Chicago Bears in the first half at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Aaron Doster, USA TODAY Sports
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco throws a pass before the Hall of Fame Game against the Chicago Bears at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
Members of the 2018 Hall of Fame class (from left) Ray Lewis, Brian Urlacher, Randy Moss, Jack Kramer, Bobby Beathard, Robert Brazile and Brian Dawkins pose during the Hall of Fame Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
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