Ravens' confidence soars as Lamar Jackson thrives in return - ESPN

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — In his first game in 32 days, quarterback Lamar Jackson immediately returned to his MVP form and provided hope that the Baltimore Ravens can get back into the playoff hunt.

After missing three games with a right hamstring injury, Jackson threw four touchdowns in a 28-6 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night. The Ravens (3-5) have shaken off a 1-5 start to close to within 1.5 games of the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3).

«He's a two-time MVP for a reason,» tight end Mark Andrews said of Jackson after the game. «With [No.] 8 leading the charge, we're a dangerous team.»

Jackson hadn't played since injuring his hamstring Sept. 28 against the Chiefs in Kansas City. In his first game back, he completed 78% of his attempts (18 of 23) for 204 yards.

Acknowledging he felt «a little bit» rusty on the first drive, Jackson went on to connect with Andrews for touchdown passes of 2 and 20 yards and added TD throws to tight end Charlie Kolar (3 yards) and wide receiver Rashod Bateman (9 yards).

«It's awesome,» Jackson said. «I just wanted to get out there with my guys… it was just great to be back and get a W.»

This was also a homecoming for Jackson, who grew up in South Florida. Of Jackson's 13 career games with four or more touchdown passes, three of them have come against the Dolphins, his most against any team.

«Whenever you're away from the game, you miss it,» running back Derrick Henry said. «It was even better that, when he came back, it was in his hometown. So, it probably gave him a little more juice.»

Jackson returned to practice last week as a limited participant but didn't receive reps with the starting offense. In the quick turnaround to a Thursday night game, Jackson only had