The Making of a Clutch Quarterback

Since entering the NFL in 2018, Lamar Jackson has redefined what it means to be a dual-threat quarterback. While his regular-season accolades—including two MVP awards—are well documented, it is his poise in high-pressure moments that truly separates him from his peers. Game-winning drives require a rare combination of arm talent, mobility, and unshakable confidence. Jackson has delivered these performances with a frequency that places him among the league’s elite closers. According to Pro Football Reference, Jackson has engineered multiple fourth-quarter comebacks and game-winning drives, often by blending pinpoint passing with jaw-dropping runs. This article breaks down his five most iconic game-winning drives, providing a detailed play-by-play of each possession and the context that made them unforgettable.

These drives span Jackson’s career from his rookie season to his prime, showcasing his growth as a passer and his relentless competitiveness. Whether scrambling for a first down or threading a needle to a receiver in the back of the end zone, Jackson consistently finds a way to win. Below is an in-depth analysis of how he did it, with close attention to down, distance, field position, and the defensive schemes he faced.

Clutch Statistics at a Glance

Before diving into the drives, it’s worth noting that Jackson entered the 2024 season with more than a dozen fourth-quarter comebacks and game-winning drives. His ability to elevate his game when the stakes are highest has been a hallmark of the Ravens’ success. For context, NFL.com ranked him among the top clutch quarterbacks in the league in 2023, citing his passer rating in the final two minutes of one-score games.

1. 2019 Week 4 vs. Cleveland Browns – The 34-Yard Touchdown Run

The Setup

On September 29, 2019, the Ravens hosted the Browns in a pivotal AFC North matchup. The game was a back-and-forth battle, and Cleveland held a three-point lead with just under two minutes remaining. Baltimore took over at their own 25-yard line with no timeouts. Jackson needed to drive the length of the field and find the end zone to win.

Play-by-Play Breakdown

  • First Down (1st & 10, BAL 25): Jackson dropped back and faced immediate pressure from Browns defensive end Myles Garrett. He stepped up in the pocket and fired a sideline pass to tight end Mark Andrews for 12 yards. The throw was placed perfectly to keep the clock running.
  • Second Down (1st & 10, BAL 37): On the next snap, Baltimore ran an inside zone handoff to Mark Ingram for 4 yards, setting up a manageable third down.
  • Third Down (3rd & 6, BAL 41): With the game on the line, Jackson executed a play-action fake and rolled to his right. He spotted rookie wide receiver Marquise Brown running a crossing route and delivered a strike for 18 yards. Brown made a leaping catch and secured the first down at the Cleveland 41.
  • First Down (1st & 10, CLE 41): Jackson scrambled for 8 yards on a zone read, but the play was called back due to a holding penalty on offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley. The ball was moved back to the Baltimore 49-yard line.
  • First Down (1st & 20, BAL 49): Showing no panic, Jackson fired a quick slant to Willie Snead for 11 yards, bringing up 2nd & 9 from the Cleveland 40.
  • Second Down (2nd & 9, CLE 40): Jackson faked a handoff to Ingram and bootlegged to his left. With a linebacker in his face, he launched a deep pass down the sideline intended for Marquise Brown. The ball was underthrown slightly, but Brown adjusted and made a diving catch at the 1-yard line. The official review confirmed the catch, giving Baltimore first-and-goal.
  • First & Goal (1st & Goal, CLE 1): After an incomplete pass intended for Andrews, Jackson took the snap, faked a handoff, and sprinted to the pylon. He was met by linebacker Joe Schobert at the 1, but his momentum carried him into the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown run. The score put the Ravens ahead 31–28 with 1:04 left. Cleveland’s final drive stalled, and Jackson’s heroics secured the victory.

This drive showcased Jackson’s ability to mix runs and passes under duress. He completed 4 of 5 passes for 42 yards and added the game-winning touchdown on the ground.

2. 2020 Week 14 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars – The Comeback in the Swamp

The Setup

In December 2020, the Ravens traveled to Jacksonville to face a struggling Jaguars team. However, the Jaguars played inspired football and took a 21–20 lead with under two minutes to play. Baltimore started at their own 40-yard line (after a touchback) with 1:50 remaining and one timeout.

Play-by-Play Breakdown

  • First Down (1st & 10, BAL 40): Jackson dropped back and quickly scanned the field. He saw Mark Andrews flashing across the middle on a shallow cross and fired a bullet that Andrews caught for 20 yards. The play moved the ball to the Jacksonville 40-yard line.
  • First Down (1st & 10, JAX 40): On the next snap, Jackson handed off to J.K. Dobbins for a 5-yard gain up the middle. The Jaguars defense stacked the box, but the run ate precious clock.
  • Second Down (2nd & 5, JAX 35): Jackson took the snap and immediately felt pressure off the edge. He scrambled to his left, then cut back across the grain, gaining 15 yards before being tackled out of bounds. The run set up first-and-10 at the Jacksonville 20.
  • First Down (1st & 10, JAX 20): Looking for a quick strike, Jackson threw a fade to the end zone for Marquise Brown. The pass was high and incomplete, but Brown was interfered with by cornerback Tre Herndon. The penalty gave Baltimore first-and-goal at the 10-yard line.
  • First & Goal (1st & Goal, JAX 10): The Ravens ran a draw play to Dobbins for 4 yards, setting up second-and-goal from the 6.
  • Second & Goal (2nd & Goal, JAX 6): Jackson faked a handoff and rolled right. He had Andrews open in the back of the end zone, but a linebacker dropped into coverage. Instead of forcing the pass, Jackson tucked the ball and sprinted toward the pylon. He was met at the 1-yard line but stretched the ball over the goal line for a touchdown. The score gave the Ravens a 27–21 lead with 19 seconds remaining.

This drive was a clinic in clock management and situational football. Jackson’s 15-yard scramble was the key play, turning a potential long field goal attempt into a manageable first down. His willingness to run instead of forcing a pass kept the offense alive.

3. 2021 Week 2 vs. Kansas City Chiefs – Outdueling Patrick Mahomes

The Setup

One of the most memorable regular-season games in recent Ravens history took place in September 2021. The Chiefs and Ravens traded blows all game, and with 2:30 remaining, Kansas City had taken a 33–29 lead. Baltimore started at their own 25-yard line with the ball and one timeout. Jackson faced the reigning AFC champion defense, needing a touchdown to win.

Play-by-Play Breakdown

  • First Down (1st & 10, BAL 25): Jackson dropped back and immediately saw man coverage. He pump-faked to draw the safety up, then launched a deep ball to Sammy Watkins on a post route. Watkins made a spectacular catch over cornerback Charvarius Ward for 35 yards, bringing the ball to the Kansas City 40.
  • First Down (1st & 10, KC 40): The Ravens ran a quick screen to Marquise Brown for 7 yards, setting up a manageable second down.
  • Second Down (2nd & 3, KC 33): Jackson took a shotgun snap and read the Chiefs’ defense. He saw a blitz coming and quickly threw a slant to Mark Andrews for 11 yards. The pass was low, but Andrews scooped it up and gained the first down to the 22-yard line.
  • First Down (1st & 10, KC 22): Baltimore called a designed quarterback draw. Jackson took the snap, faked a handoff, and exploded through a hole on the left side. He gained 18 yards before being pushed out of bounds at the 4-yard line. The run consumed 25 seconds and set up first-and-goal.
  • First & Goal (1st & Goal, KC 4): After two incomplete passes (one intended for Andrews, another for Watkins), the Ravens faced third-and-goal from the 4 with 45 seconds left.
  • Third & Goal (3rd & Goal, KC 4): Jackson took the snap and rolled to his right. The Chiefs covered Andrews and Brown, but Devin Duvernay slipped into the back of the end zone. Jackson threw a laser to the back pylon, and Duvernay caught it for the game-winning touchdown. The play was reviewed and confirmed, giving Baltimore a 36–33 lead with 42 seconds remaining.

This drive completed a stunning comeback and was pivotal in establishing Jackson as a quarterback who could trade blows with the best. He finished the game with over 350 passing yards and two touchdowns, with this drive serving as the exclamation point.

4. 2018 Week 17 vs. Cleveland Browns – The Rookie’s Playoff Clincher

The Setup

In the final game of the 2018 season, the Ravens needed a win over the Browns to secure a playoff berth. Jackson, a rookie starting his seventh game, led the team onto the field trailing 24–20 with 3:00 left at their own 20-yard line. The stakes could not have been higher for a first-year quarterback.

Play-by-Play Breakdown

  • First Down (1st & 10, BAL 20): Jackson began the drive with a quick pass to Willie Snead for 8 yards on an out route. The play was designed to get the ball out fast and move the chains.
  • Second Down (2nd & 2, BAL 28): He handed off to Gus Edwards for a 4-yard gain, setting up a first down at the 32-yard line.
  • First Down (1st & 10, BAL 32): Jackson dropped back and hit Michael Crabtree on a crossing route for 14 yards. Crabtree made a tough catch over the middle and got out of bounds to stop the clock.
  • First Down (1st & 10, BAL 46): On a pivotal play, Jackson faked a handoff and bootlegged to his left. He saw tight end Mark Andrews running a seam route and delivered a perfect pass for 18 yards into Cleveland territory at the 36-yard line.
  • First Down (1st & 10, CLE 36): The Ravens ran a screen to Edwards for 9 yards, bringing up second-and-1. Jackson then kept the ball on a read option for 3 yards, moving the ball to the 24-yard line.
  • First Down (1st & 10, CLE 24): Jackson completed a short pass to Snead for 7 yards, then spiked the ball to stop the clock with 48 seconds left.
  • Second Down (2nd & 3, CLE 17): On a critical third-and-goal situation (after a failed fade to John Brown), Jackson faced third-and-goal from the 7-yard line with 27 seconds left. He took the snap, rolled to his right, and threw a back-shoulder pass to Seth Roberts in the corner of the end zone. Roberts caught the ball and got both feet down inbounds for a touchdown, giving the Ravens a 27–24 lead with 22 seconds left.

The composure Jackson displayed as a rookie was remarkable. He completed 6 of 7 passes for 56 yards and the game-winning touchdown, leading the Ravens to the playoffs for the first time in three years.

5. 2022 Week 1 vs. New York Jets – The Season-Opening Stunner

The Setup

The 2022 season began with high expectations for Baltimore, but the Jets came out swinging. After surrendering a late lead, the Ravens found themselves trailing 21–18 with 1:20 remaining starting at their own 30-yard line. Jackson needed a touchdown to avoid an upset loss on opening day.

Play-by-Play Breakdown

  • First Down (1st & 10, BAL 30): Jackson dropped back and immediately saw a blitz off the edge. He escaped the pressure and scrambled for 9 yards before being tackled. The run was crucial—it set up a short third-down situation.
  • Second Down (2nd & 1, BAL 39): The Ravens handed off to J.K. Dobbins for 3 yards and a first down at the 42-yard line.
  • First Down (1st & 10, BAL 42): Jackson threw a quick hitch to Rashod Bateman for 11 yards. Bateman made a sharp cut and got out of bounds, stopping the clock with 1:01 left.
  • First Down (1st & 10, NYJ 47): On the next play, Jackson dropped back and saw a linebacker open in zone coverage. He fired a pass over the middle to tight end Isaiah Likely for 13 yards, moving the ball to the Jets’ 34-yard line.
  • First Down (1st & 10, NYJ 34): Baltimore spiked the ball with 42 seconds remaining, then Jackson found Bateman again on a slant for 12 yards to the 22-yard line.
  • First Down (1st & 10, NYJ 22): After an incomplete pass intended for Andrews, Jackson scrambled for 12 yards, getting out of bounds at the 10-yard line with 24 seconds left.
  • First & Goal (1st & Goal, NYJ 10): The Ravens ran a designed quarterback draw for 5 yards, setting up second-and-goal from the 5.
  • Second & Goal (2nd & Goal, NYJ 5): With 10 seconds left, Jackson faked a handoff and looked for Andrews on a slant route. Andrews was covered, but Jackson scrambled to his right and found little room. He then pulled up and threw a jump pass to a diving Mark Andrews in the end zone. Andrews caught the ball as time expired, securing a 24–21 victory.

The drive was a masterpiece of clock management and improvisation. Jackson’s ability to extend plays and find receivers in the final seconds solidified his reputation as one of the most clutch quarterbacks in the league.

What Makes Jackson’s Clutch Drives Unique?

Lamar Jackson’s game-winning drives share common threads that set them apart from typical NFL comebacks. First, his mobility creates impossible choices for defenses. When a pocket collapses, Jackson can escape and either run for significant yardage or buy time for a receiver to break open. Second, his deep-ball accuracy forces safeties to play deep, which opens up space underneath. Third, Jackson’s composure is exceptional; he rarely shows panic, even when facing a blitz or a two-minute drill with no timeouts.

Statistically, Jackson ranks among the top quarterbacks in game-winning drives since entering the league. A ESPN analysis found that Jackson’s passer rating in the fourth quarter of one-score games was over 100, well above the league average. His ability to perform under pressure has made the Ravens a perennial playoff contender.

The Role of Coaching and Scheme

Offensive coordinator Greg Roman (and later Todd Monken) designed plays that maximized Jackson’s improvisational skills. The RPO-heavy offense gave Jackson options to read the defense and decide whether to hand off, pass, or keep the ball. In clutch situations, those same principles apply, but Jackson often relies on his instincts to find the most efficient path to the end zone.

The Legacy of Lamar Jackson’s Game-Winning Drives

Lamar Jackson’s five most memorable game-winning drives represent more than just individual brilliance—they reflect a team’s belief in their leader. Each drive had its own set of challenges: a rookie playoff clincher, a shootout with the defending AFC champions, and a season-opening thriller. Collectively, they paint a portrait of a quarterback who thrives when the game is on the line.

As Jackson continues his career, these drives will be revisited as proof of his clutch gene. They have already become part of Ravens lore, joining the ranks of iconic moments in franchise history. For fans of football, Jackson’s ability to deliver in crunch time is a reminder that greatness is often measured not by regular-season stats, but by the moments when everything hangs in the balance.

With each passing season, Jackson adds new chapters to his story. Whether he is scrambling for a first down or threading a needle to a receiver in the back of the end zone, one thing remains certain: when the game is on the line, Lamar Jackson is at his best.