OWINGS MILLS — Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson lowered his shoulder and initiated contact against Kansas City Chiefs defenders several times in the season opener.
Jackson ran the ball 16 times for 122 yards and there are questions about whether he can sustain that type of physicality over a 17-game season and potentially the playoffs.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh said he has no problem with Jackson’s decision to run. It is part of playing physical football and trying to win the game.
There’s no fine line between playing it safe and competing at the highest level, according to Harbaugh.
“I’m comfortable with a physical football team across the board – whatever it takes in a given situation to try to find a way to make a play and win the game,” Harbaugh said. “[With] every single one of our guys competing at the highest level to do whatever they can to play their best football, put our best foot forward and try to win a play, win a series [and] win a game. That’s what we’re all here for.”
The Chiefs kept the pressure on Jackson throughout the game. Jackson was hit 13 of the 16 times he carried the ball and was sacked once.
Jackson was successful in running the football. His 122 rushing yards were the most by a quarterback in Week 1 in NFL history, surpassing Michael Vick’s total of 103 rushing yards in the 2010 season.
The Ravens signed four-time Pro Bowl running back Derrick Henry this offseason, and he carried the ball 13 times for 46 yards with a touchdown against Kansas City. Henry will likely get more carries against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2 with backup Justice Hill also getting opportunities.
Ideally, Jackson won’t have to carry the ball 16 times, but he is ready to carry the load again if needed.
“I’m going to do whatever it takes to win, and in that type of game, sometimes you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do,” Jackson said.
