Lamar Jackson returned — and so did the chants of “M-V-P!” echoing through Hard Rock Stadium. In his first game back from a right hamstring strain, the Baltimore Ravens’ star quarterback looked as sharp as ever, throwing for 204 yards and four touchdowns as the Ravens routed the Miami Dolphins 28-6 on Thursday Night Football.
The two-time MVP completed 18 of 23 passes, showing little rust in his first start since Week 4 against Kansas City. Behind Jackson’s efficient night, the Ravens (3-5) captured their second straight win and positioned themselves to make a run in the wide-open AFC North.
“I felt good,” Jackson said after the game. “It’s been a minute, but once I got out there, it felt like home again. The guys were locked in.”
Jackson’s precision and poise defined the evening. He connected with tight end Mark Andrews for two touchdown catches and also found Charlie Kolar and Rashod Bateman for scores. His 9-yard TD strike to Bateman late in the third quarter gave Baltimore a commanding 28-6 lead — effectively sealing the game.
Jackson was equally dangerous escaping pressure, completing his first nine passes of the second half before missing a deep throw to DeAndre Hopkins late in the third quarter. By then, the Ravens were comfortably ahead.
“Lamar looked like Lamar,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “He made plays, kept things alive, and put the ball exactly where it needed to be.”
Running back Derrick Henry powered the ground game with 119 yards on 19 carries, wearing down a Dolphins defense that spent much of the night on its heels. Jackson added 14 yards on five carries but did most of his damage through the air.
The Dolphins (2-7) moved the ball effectively at times but couldn’t finish drives or protect the football. Tua Tagovailoa completed 25 of 40 passes for 261 yards and an interception. Miami outgained Baltimore 226-109 in the first half and held the Ravens to just 1 of 6 on third down — yet trailed 14-6 because of critical mistakes.
Rookie receiver Tahj Washington fumbled on the Dolphins’ second drive, setting up Andrews’ 2-yard touchdown catch on fourth down. Later, after De’Von Achane ripped off runs of 19 and 22 yards, a false start by Larry Borom on fourth-and-1 forced Miami to settle for a 35-yard field goal attempt — which Riley Patterson missed.
That opened the door for Jackson and the Ravens to capitalize again. Facing pressure from linebacker Jaelan Phillips, Jackson escaped and hit Isaiah Likely for a 35-yard gain. Two plays later, Andrews hauled in a 20-yard score after two Miami defenders collided in coverage, extending the lead to 14-3.
The Dolphins’ only points came from Patterson’s field goals of 49 and 43 yards.
Miami’s last gasp came early in the fourth quarter when Tagovailoa led an 80-yard drive, converting two fourth downs. But Malik Washington fumbled at the Ravens’ 10-yard line — and as Baltimore recovered, Dolphins fans began streaming for the exits with more than 10 minutes still remaining.
Achane finished with 67 rushing yards on 14 carries, while Jaylen Waddle led Miami’s receivers with six catches for 82 yards.
Jackson’s performance put him in elite company once again. He became the fourth quarterback in NFL history to throw at least four touchdown passes against the Dolphins in three separate games — joining Tom Brady, Josh Allen, and Drew Bledsoe. Jackson’s previous two such outings against Miami both featured five touchdowns and no interceptions.
“He’s just one of those guys,” Andrews said. “Every time he steps on the field, you know something special can happen.”
For Baltimore, the night marked a resurgence — their franchise quarterback healthy, their offense balanced, and their defense opportunistic. For Miami, it was another reminder of how quickly momentum can vanish against Lamar Jackson.
Ravens: Travel to Minnesota on Sunday, Nov. 9. Dolphins: Host Buffalo on Sunday, Nov. 9.
