Lamar Jackson Defended by Teammate, Says Ravens Would Struggle with Patrick Mahomes

The Baltimore Ravens are one of the most surprising teams in the NFL this season due to their struggles, but at least one player feels the blame doesn't fall on star quarterback Lamar Jackson.

According to Brian Wacker, Josh Tolentino and Sam Jane of the Baltimore Sun, a Ravens veteran offensive player blamed the team's woes on third-year offensive coordinator Todd Monken, saying, "It just feels different. I just don't feel like guys are being put in positions to succeed with this offense."

When asked what he meant by that, the player responded, "It's freakin' Lamar Jackson, how can you not find ways to have success with him? But I'm pretty sure if you put [Kansas City Chiefs quarterback] Patrick Mahomes out there for us right now, the same things would be happening."

Jackson has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury in a Week 4 loss against Mahomes and the Chiefs. The Ravens have struggled mightily in his absence, falling to 1-5 this season following a 17-3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 6 before their Week 7 bye. Baltimore's offense has scored just 13 combined points over the last two games with backup quarterback Cooper Rush under center.

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While Ravens head coach John Harbaugh expressed hope last week that Jackson would be able to return from his two-game absence on Sunday against the Chicago Bears, things still look bleak for the two-time NFL MVP. ESPN's Jamison Hensley reported that Jackson remained sidelined for Baltimore's first practice after the bye week on Monday.

"I think all the guys are working really hard to get back, I can tell you that. We'll see who's back and who practices on Wednesday. I don't want to comment on any individual guys," Harbaugh said after Monday's practice. When asked about Jackson specifically, he replied, "Same answer."

It doesn't appear that things will get better anytime soon for the Ravens, as they will be facing a surging Bears team that has won each of its last four games. If Jackson continues to sit out, Baltimore could be in for another dose of disappointment on Sunday.