The Baltimore Ravens are proving to be a testament of resilience this season. After dealing with multiple injuries to star players early in the year, this team could have mailed it in, but they didn’t. Instead, the Ravens continue to scratch, claw, and fight to win games in whatever way possible. The Ravens currently lead the AFC North and are likely going to be division winners. At the forefront of success is quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jackson has done a fantastic job keeping the ship steady during tough times. In week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams, Jackson played arguably his best game of the season. While pushing the Ravens to a thrilling overtime victory, Jackson passed for 316 yards – only the second time he’s passed for 300 yards this season. Jackson also rushed for 70 yards, escaping trouble in highlight fashion.
Outside of Jackson, the standout performer was wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Ravens fans have been looking for a reason to cheer for Beckham Jr., and have been awaiting his return to stardom. Early in the season, Beckham Jr. struggled with injuries which was something of concern. Even when healthy, Beckham Jr. didn’t appear to be performing at a level that was expected of him. As of late, that has changed.
Odell Beckham Jr.’s Star is Shining Once More
In two of the last three games, Beckham Jr. has posted his highest receiving totals of the season. In week 11 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Beckham Jr. posted a vintage performance. Beckham Jr. finished the game with four receptions for 116 yards, which equals a 29 yard per reception average. The last time Beckham Jr. had posted a 100 yard performance was in the 2022 NFC Championship game while a member of the Los Angeles Rams. In week 14 against his former team, Beckham Jr. looked motivated. Playing against the rams for the first time since departing LA, he finished with four receptions for 97 yards. Over the last few games, Beckham Jr. has looked spry. Spectacular route running, difficult catches, and veteran poise has been on full display recently, implying that Beckham Jr. is finally comfortable within the Ravens offense.
Beckham Jr.’s Early Struggles
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is hitting a stride after a slow start to the 2023 season. To begin the year, Beckham Jr. struggled to find his footing. Against the Houston Texans in week one, Beckham Jr. finished with two receptions for 37 yards. The following week, Beckham Jr. was injured in a week two matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. The receiver suffered an ankle injury that saw him missing the next two games against the Indianapolis Colts and Cleveland Browns. Upon his return in week 5 against the division rival Pittsburgh Steelers, Beckham Jr.’s performance was, unfortunately, pedestrian. 13 yards is all Beckham Jr. was able to amass in his return. Over the next two weeks against the Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions, Beckham Jr. totaled seven receptions for 83 yards, a step in the right direction. In week eight, Beckham Jr. took a step back. In a matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, Beckham Jr had one of the worst games of his career, finishing with zero receptions for zero yards. After these early struggles, Beckham Jr. turned a corner and began to look more like the guy everyone once recognized.
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