OTL: Numbers Don’t Lie – Jackson Dominates Dolphins

The long-awaited return of Lamar Jackson has finally arrived, as the 2x MVP is a full go for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury in Week 4 against the Chiefs. Throughout his eight-year career in the NFL, Jackson has had more than his fair share of dominant performances. But through 98 career starts, there’s not a team he has put up better numbers against than the Miami Dolphins.

In just four starts against Miami, Jackson has thrown for 1,201 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and just one interception on 72.6% completion percentage. He’s also added 199 rushing yards and a score on the ground as well. Jackson holds a 2-2 record, however, against Miami, including a game in which the Ravens defense surrendered 28 fourth-quarter points en route to a 42-38 loss. Out of the four games against the Dolphins, ultimately, one could be chalked up to poor play from Jackson. That 22-10 loss in Miami (also on a Thursday night), which was one of the weirder games in recent memory, even included a Dolphins offensive lineman illegally receiving a pass and flipping headfirst for a waved-off touchdown.

Outside of that lone performance in 2021, Jackson has been basically flawless against the Dolphins, entering tonight’s content with a 72.6% completion percentage as well as a 142.7 passer rating against them. When speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Jackson answered questions regarding his hamstring, stating, “It feels good. I feel great right now. Shout out to the training staff.”

It’ll be interesting to see if there’s any rust to knock off for Lamar, or if the 3x All-Pro can pick up where he left off earlier this season.

Regardless, Jackson and the Ravens know, every game forward is a must-win.

Preventing Another 4 TD Performance from Tua

It was quite the showing for Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in the team’s win over the Falcons this past Sunday, throwing for a season-high four touchdowns. It’s been a season to forget already in Miami with locker room drama, season-ending injuries to key players, and poor coaching from the man in charge, Mike McDaniel, as the team enters Week 9 a similar 2-6. Tua’s play on the field hasn’t helped, as the 6th-year quarterback enters Thursday night with 15 touchdowns and is tied with Geno Smith for the league lead in interceptions (10). The former first-round pick is on pace for 21 interceptions, seven more than his career-high (14).

A large factor in Tua’s performance against the Falcons, and possibly a key part in the 0 interceptions, was his success in the short passing game. Tagovailoa averaged his lowest air yards per attempt (3.7) since Week 12 of 2021, while averaging 2.37 seconds per throw, his highest in 2025. The Falcons brought pressure throughout the game, blitzing Tagovailoa on a season-high 48.1% of his dropbacks. When facing five or more rushers, Tua completed 8 of 12 passes for 114 yards and three touchdowns, a complete turnaround for the Dolphins QB, who entered the game throwing one touchdown and six interceptions in his previous two contests.

Miami enters Thursday night without the presence of Pro Bowl wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who is out for the remainder of the season with a significant knee injury. It’s a presence they’ve missed all season, as Miami’s offense ranks 28th in total offense and 26th in passing. Baltimore’s defense is looking to build off a strong performance a week ago against the Bears, holding the 12th-ranked offense to just 16 points.

Prime time with the world watching. Can the Ravens defense limit Tua and keep their season alive?

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