Lamar Jackson’s focus is on the playoffs after the Ravens won the AFC North

Lamar Jackson’s focus is on the playoffs after the Ravens won the AFC North

BALTIMORE – By leading the Baltimore Ravens to a 35-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Saturday, quarterback Lamar Jackson captured his fourth AFC North title and put the finishing touches on a record-setting regular season.

But unlike many of his teammates, Jackson didn’t wear the hats and T-shirts that celebrated the Ravens’ recent division title.

“I’m very proud of my team,” Jackson said. “We fought and got the work done, but the work has been undone.”

The Ravens (12-5) secured the No. 3 seed and will host a playoff game next weekend against either the Los Angeles Chargers or Pittsburgh Steelers. Jackson remains in the conversation for a third NFL Most Valuable Player Award, but teammates say he was only talking about what it would take to reach his first Super Bowl.

“I’m focused on the wild card game, I’m not going to lie to you,” Jackson said. “I think it’s cool what’s going on today. I’m cool, don’t get me wrong. But my mind is on something else.”

By putting together his best statistical season, the reigning NFL MVP completed one of the most remarkable regular seasons by a quarterback.

Jackson became the first player in NFL history to record 4,000 yards passing and 900 yards rushing in a season. He also set a league benchmark by becoming the first to throw over 40 touchdown passes and fewer than five interceptions. Jackson finished the game with 41 touchdown passes and four interceptions.

“He is simply unique. There’s nobody like Lamar Jackson,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “He’s in the locker room and he’s not happy about the last ride… he wants everything to be perfect, everything. That’s why these numbers are what they are because of who he is.”

Baltimore has proven its resilience this season. The Ravens had to recover from an 0-2 start and overcome the passing of offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris, who died of a heart attack 11 days before the season opener.

Then, at the start of Week 15, Baltimore was two games behind Pittsburgh in the AFC North race with four weeks to go. According to ESPN Analytics, the Ravens had a 28.8% chance of overtaking the Steelers for the division title.

Baltimore exceeded all expectations by winning its last four games and outscoring its opponents 135-43.

“There are men in this locker room who would do anything to win,” Ravens tight end Mark Andrews said. “Take care of us and be ready every week and every game. We have real professionals in this locker room. No matter what the schedule is, no matter what day we play. That’s what we have, a lot of ballplayers.”

Jackson is now leading the Ravens into the postseason for the fifth time. He led Baltimore to the AFC Championship Game last season when the Ravens lost 17-10 to the Kansas City Chiefs.

But Jackson’s struggles in the playoffs — he’s 2-4 in the postseason — will be a major storyline throughout the week.

Asked how Jackson will feel in the playoffs, Andrews said: “Locked up. Totally locked in.”

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