Lamar Jackson for MVP? Derrick Henry begins campaigning for Ravens QB’s 3rd award after 348-yard day vs Bengals

Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens survived an offensive shootout at Paul Brown Stadium and beat the Cincinnati Bengals 41-38 in overtime to register their third straight win. The visitors' defense couldn't contain Joe Burrow, who finished the game with 392 yards and five passing touchdowns, but the reigning MVP came to their rescue.

Jackson threw for 348 passing yards and four touchdown passes and rushed for 44 yards to lead the Ravens to a stunning win on the road. After the game, star running back Derrick Henry, who had 92 rushing yards, of which 51 came on one run in overtime, lauded his teammate for his exceptional display and alluded that he should take home his third MVP award. Per Ravens insider Sarah Ellison, the veteran said:

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"That was third MVP-level for him."

The 27-year-old will likely join the frontrunners in the power rankings for the MVP race after filling up the box score in a magnificent outing on Sunday.

Lamar Jackson's Play of the Year contender

While it's early to crown Jackson the league MVP or say with certainty that he'd be among the top contenders to win the award, his incredible touchdown pass against the Bengals will likely be among the top plays of the season.

With less than six minutes left in the game and the Ravens trailing by 10 points, Jackson and the offense had no choice but to come away with points, preferably seven, when they were in the redzone and facing 2nd-and-goal from the seven-yard line.

A botched snap had seemingly busted the play, as Bengals' defensive Sam Hubbard looked destined to sack Jackson before he could get his pass off. However, the quarterback stiff-armed the Cincinnati star, and bought time for his receivers to get open, before launching a perfect pass to tight end Isaiah Likely for the touchdown.

The reigning MVP showcased his poise, strength, vision, and accuracy to help his team cut the deficit to three points.

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