Ravens News 12/18: 6 First Time Pro Bowlers and more

Is Lamar Jackson putting up the best season ever at quarterback? - Jamison Hensley

“If he gets to 35 to 40 touchdown passes and what he’s done running the ball, Lamar has to be in the conversation of the best season by a quarterback,” said former NFL MVP Kurt Warner, an analyst for the NFL Network. “With a lot of things Lamar does, it is hard to gauge right now because it’s so new and unique. Maybe 10 to 15 years down the road, we’ll have a better feel where it stands. But with how special he is running and throwing the ball, it’s pretty ridiculous.”

Jackson separates himself by being highly rated as a passer (his 112.8 rating is second in the NFL this season) and a top-10 rusher.

“The guy is a freak of nature,” Jets linebacker James Burgess said. “One of a kind.”

Through Week 15, Jackson has thrown three more touchdown passes than anyone else in the NFL and ranks eighth in rushing, with 1,103 yards.

“He is so rare, and I hear people say he’s opening the door for other teams, and they’ll look for athletic quarterbacks,” Warner said. “I don’t ever think we’re going to see another Lamar Jackson. How many times can we say a player transcended the way the game is played? He has.”

Mark Ingram Has Been Physical, Emotional Boost for Ravens - Todd Karpovich

“I would say everything we hoped for, for sure,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “I didn’t know his personality as much. I didn’t really know how boisterous he was and how outgoing he was, so to see all that has been fun. It’s really been fun to be around. He really gets it. He knows how to treat people, knows how to practice. He has a lot of energy at practice and bolsters everything we’re trying to do that way.

”Weight room ... Obviously, he plays with great passion – great passion and great energy. [He’s] very physical. You’ve seen him. You know what I’m talking about there. So, yes, I would say all those things are as good as you could hope for.”

“He’s brought a lot. Since every game, you know Mark is going to be turned up for the game,” cornerback Marlon Humphrey said. “He’s going to be turned up during the week of practice. He’s brought a lot of energy to the team, and that energy is contagious...”

NFL playoff picture: Clinching scenarios for Ravens to earn No. 1 seed, home-field advantage - Todd Haislop

Baltimore being able to secure the top seed in the AFC is one of many NFL playoff clinching scenarios for Week 16, but it’s arguably the most significant. The Ravens have only one home loss this season, a fluke of a defeat at the hands of the division-rival Browns.

How Ravens clinch a first-round bye:

Ravens win or tie OR

Chiefs loss or tie OR

Patriots loss

How Ravens clinch No. 1 seed, home-field advantage:

Ravens win OR

Ravens tie AND Patriots loss or tie OR

Chiefs loss or tie AND Patriots loss

Ravens Tie NFL Record With 12 Pro Bowlers - Clifton Brown

The Ravens tied an NFL record with 12 Pro Bowlers named to the 2019 AFC Pro Bowl team that was announced by the league Tuesday night.

The Ravens tied the 1973 Miami Dolphins for the most Pro Bowlers in history from one team, prior to any additions made due to injuries.

TE Mark Andrews, first Pro Bowl

“This is an extreme honor, especially since I’m in my second year,” Andrews said. “I wouldn’t be here without my teammates, particularly our other tight ends – Nick Boyle and Hayden Hurst – with everything that we all do on the field. They make my job easier, so this is not an individual award – it’s a team award.”

CB Marlon Humphrey, first Pro Bowl

“I’m excited and thankful for the fans, players and coaches who voted for me,” Humphrey said. “It’s really cool to see so many of my teammates get into the Pro Bowl.”

QB Lamar Jackson, (starter) first Pro Bowl

“This honor is all about my teammates and our coaches, because without them, the success we’ve had as a team wouldn’t be possible,” Jackson said. “I’m also grateful for all the fans who continue to support us and who have helped make this season so special. Ultimately, it’s about winning, and we still have a lot of work to do before we accomplish our biggest goals.”

OLB Matthew Judon, first Pro Bowl

“I was overjoyed when I heard the news,” Judon stated. “It was probably one of the most exciting moments of my career so far. We work so hard in this game – everybody on our team has – and it’s just so rewarding. We’ve put in the work, and for so many of us to get recognized like this, it’s a testament to our hard work and our great coaching staff. For the fans, the coaches and the players to say you’re one of the best players in the league this year – it really means a lot.”

FB Patrick Ricard, first Pro Bowl

“I feel humbled and appreciative, because a year ago at this time, I was inactive for the final month of the season, and there was outside talk about me not even making the team in 2019,” Ricard stated. “I want to give credit to Greg Roman, first and foremost, for transitioning me to fullback three years ago when I was an undrafted defensive lineman. Additionally, Coach [Bobby] Engram and Coach [Andy] Bischoff – none of this would be possible without their guidance. But ultimately, I want to thank all the fans and players who voted for me, and I give a great deal of credit to my amazing teammates.”

LT Ronnie Stanley, first Pro Bowl

“It is an honor to be selected, and I’m excited for my teammates who made it,” Stanley stated. “I’m happy, but not satisfied. We still have bigger goals and ambitions. It’s nice to get recognized by our peers and earn their respect, but we still have a long way to go.”