Action Jackson lifts Ravens
Lamar Jackson had already done plenty of running by the time he reached the end zone in the fourth quarter.
Apparently, he still had quite a bit of energy, leaping past the photographers and disappearing into the tunnel in a celebration that seemed cathartic for the All-Pro quarterback.
Jackson threw two touchdown passes and ran for two scores, and the host Ravens pulled away in the second half for a 34-10 win over the Texans on Saturday to advance to the AFC Championship Game.
It was only the second victory in five playoff games for Jackson, a fact he was well aware of.
“You know I heard that,” he said. “I don’t even got to hear it. I see it. But it is what it is. I really don’t care about what people say. ... Those guys just had our team’s number in the past, but it’s a different team.”
Jackson made some more history, becoming the first quarterback since at least 1948 — in the regular season or playoffs — with at least two touchdown passes, two touchdown runs, 100 yards rushing and a 100 passer rating in the same game.
“Credit to Lamar,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He made a ton of great plays. That’s why he’s the MVP.”
The Ravens (14-4) dominated the second half after the teams finished the second quarter tied at 10. Jackson said he did most of the talking at halftime. “A lot of cursing,” he said.
Jackson’s 15-yard scoring run put Baltimore ahead to stay. Although C.J. Stroud had a solid, composed first half for Houston, the Texans (11-8) ultimately couldn’t turn enough promising drives into points against an impressive Ravens defense.
Now Baltimore will host the AFC title game for the first time since Jan. 3, 1971, when the Colts beat the Raiders 27-17 at Memorial Stadium. The Ravens will play in that semifinal round for the fifth time since their arrival in Baltimore.
McCarthy won’t get extension
The Cowboys aren’t expected to give coach Mike McCarthy a contract extension, meaning he will coach next season on an expiring deal, ESPN reported.
Owner Jerry Jones announced last week that McCarthy will return in 2024, despite the coach falling to 1-3 in the postseason in Dallas with a loss to the Packers in the wildcard round. But Jones isn’t granting him any long-term security.
This isn’t the first time Jones has put his coach in such a situation. Jason Garrett, McCarthy’s predecessor, coached into the last year of his contract twice. The first time, in 2014, the Cowboys went 12-4, landing Garrett a five-year extension. The second time, in 2019, the team went 8-8, and Garrett didn’t return.
Falcons interview two more
The Falcons interviewed Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and Bills quarterbacks coach and interim offensive coordinator Joe Brady on Saturday for their headcoaching vacancy. The virtual interviews came one day after former Patriots coach Bill Belichick completed his second interview with the Falcons.
The team also met virtually with Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn on Friday and are expected to meet with Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson this weekend.