Lamar Jackson’s Preseason Debut Raises Eyebrows as Ravens Star Struggles to Find Rhythm Despite Being One of NFL’s Best

Lamar Jackson has become a household name and a marquee attraction in the NFL. The reigning MVP and two-time league honoree has dazzled fans for years with a combination of electric speed, field vision, and underrated pocket passing. As the 2025 season inches closer, expectations in Baltimore are sky-high once again. Jackson is not just the face of the Ravens; he’s the soul of the franchise, the embodiment of a team that believes its championship window is wide open.

But in a surprising twist, Jackson’s much-anticipated 2025 preseason debut was not the jaw-dropping showcase fans and analysts expected. In fact, it was a stark contrast to the elite form that carried Baltimore deep into last season’s playoffs.

Jackson played just three drives in the Ravens’ preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers. And while the game ultimately meant little in terms of wins and losses, the performance left fans in a stunned silence rather than in celebratory applause. His final stat line: 3-of-7 passing for 24 yards, one interception, and a quarterback rating of 12.5.

The struggles weren’t all his fault. Offensive line protection looked shaky early, especially from the interior. Jackson was flushed out of the pocket multiple times and hurried on four of his seven passing attempts. He was also sacked once on a busted screen play that never had a chance.

Yet what worried some observers wasn’t just the statistics or even the tempo. It was the timing. Jackson appeared rusty. He missed wide-open receiver Zay Flowers on a 3rd-and-5 slant in the first quarter and sailed a screen pass intended for J.K. Dobbins on the next drive. Both plays killed any chance of early momentum.

Even more concerning was a miscommunication with new tight end addition Colby Parkinson. On 2nd-and-8 from midfield, Jackson expected Parkinson to run a post; the tight end ran a dig. The resulting interception by Panthers linebacker Frankie Luvu cut short Baltimore’s most promising drive of the day.

“It’s just preseason,” Jackson told reporters after the game with a grin that seemed equal parts optimistic and frustrated. “That’s what this time is for—knocking off rust, learning your guys, getting on the same page. I ain’t worried.”

And to be fair, Jackson’s preseason history has always been up and down. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh echoed that sentiment, quickly downplaying any concern.

“Lamar’s our guy. One preseason game doesn’t change that,” Harbaugh said. “We know who he is, what he’s capable of. We’re just building chemistry and reps. That’s what August is for.”

Still, with Baltimore entering a pivotal season in which Super Bowl aspirations loom large, any crack in the foundation will get magnified. Jackson is now three years into a massive $260 million extension signed in 2023. He has the contract, the accolades, and the spotlight. But that also comes with a level of scrutiny that few other quarterbacks endure.

Baltimore fans, long used to seeing No. 8 defy logic with his elusive moves and gravity-defying throws, seemed genuinely caught off guard. On social media, reactions ranged from “Just knocking off rust” to “Hope this isn’t a sign of regression.”

Perhaps part of the unease stems from the growing number of new pieces around Jackson. Parkinson is new. So is speedy slot receiver Tré Tucker, who is expected to see plenty of snaps in 2025. The offensive line saw changes in the offseason, including the addition of rookie center Blake Fisher and the departure of veteran guard Kevin Zeitler. The rhythm simply isn’t there yet.

Offensive coordinator Todd Monken isn’t hitting the panic button either. In fact, he seemed almost amused at the speculation.

“Y’all gonna crown or bury someone over seven throws?” Monken laughed during his postgame presser. “Let’s chill out. Lamar’s fine. We’re gonna be fine. We’re not game-planning in preseason. It’s about reps. That’s it.”

Jackson did have one bright spot—a 12-yard scramble on 2nd-and-long that reminded everyone of his unmatched athleticism. The play was vintage Lamar: a quick read, an escape from pressure, and a first down that no other quarterback in the league could manufacture. It drew a cheer from the crowd and a nod from Panthers head coach Dave Canales, who later called Jackson “the most dangerous open-field player in football.”

The bigger picture, however, remains focused on getting Jackson fully locked in with his playmakers before Week 1. That’s when it truly matters. Baltimore opens the regular season on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers in a high-profile Sunday night matchup.

Jackson’s offseason work has drawn praise. He showed up early to voluntary OTAs, held private throwing sessions with Flowers and Rashod Bateman in South Florida, and by all accounts has taken a step forward as a vocal leader. But football isn’t played in shorts and cones. Timing, chemistry, and rhythm must be forged in live-game scenarios, and Jackson’s debut was a clear example of how that development still has a ways to go.

“I’m not satisfied with how I played,” Jackson said candidly. “But I know where I’m trying to get. And we will get there.”

The locker room remains firmly in Jackson’s corner.

“He’s the MVP for a reason,” said linebacker Roquan Smith. “We’re not worried about preseason tape. Come regular season, Lamar’s gonna be Lamar.”

That unwavering confidence is part of what makes Jackson such a unique force in the NFL. He has always bounced back. His worst games often give way to historic performances. His critics have grown quieter over the years, but nights like this give them a fresh opportunity to surface.

It’s worth remembering that in 2022, Jackson started slow before launching into a five-game stretch in which he accounted for 21 total touchdowns. In 2024, he had a two-interception preseason game against Washington—only to go on and lead the Ravens to a 13-4 record and a deep playoff run.

One preseason outing won’t rewrite Lamar Jackson’s story. But it does offer a reminder that even the greatest stars need time to re-sync. Football is a game of rhythm. And right now, Baltimore’s beat is still warming up.

The Ravens will likely rest Jackson for at least one of the remaining two preseason games, especially if offensive line issues persist. But fans hoping for a rebound may get their chance in Week 3 of the preseason when Baltimore hosts the Philadelphia Eagles. Whether Jackson plays or not, all eyes will remain on him as the Ravens inch toward a season that could define an era.

For now, Lamar Jackson’s preseason debut in 2025 might not go in the highlight reel. But what happens next will say far more than a few wobbly passes in mid-July. In the long arc of Jackson’s incredible career, this was just a slow beginning to what he—and Baltimore—believe will be a spectacular season.