The Baltimore Ravens earned a dramatic 35-34 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in a game that left fans on the edge of their seats. Lamar Jackson was once again the star, throwing four touchdowns and showcasing why he’s considered one of the best quarterbacks in the league this season. But while Lamar’s brilliance is undeniable, the performance of the Ravens’ defense continues to raise questions. Can Jackson continue to carry this team, or will the defense ultimately be their undoing in the playoffs?

Lamar Jackson’s MVP-Level Performance

Lamar Jackson was nothing short of spectacular on Sunday night. With four touchdown passes, he moved the Ravens to 7-3 on the season, further solidifying his candidacy for MVP. Jackson has now thrown for 41 touchdowns and only three interceptions on the season—a pace that would set multiple records. His passing completion rate is at an all-time high, and his passer rating is the best of his career. Add to that his three rushing touchdowns and nearly 500 yards on the ground, and it’s clear that Lamar is in the midst of one of the best seasons we’ve ever seen from a quarterback.

Despite Baltimore’s defense struggling again, Jackson’s performance was enough to hold off a feisty Bengals team, which mounted a fierce comeback after falling behind early. The Ravens’ defense, however, allowed Cincinnati to score 34 points, raising concerns about the unit’s ability to hold up in the postseason.

A Defense that Needs to Step Up

While Lamar Jackson’s MVP-caliber season has been a bright spot, the Ravens’ defense continues to be a major source of frustration. Against the Bengals, Baltimore’s defense allowed over 400 yards of offense and struggled to get stops when they mattered most. The defense has now allowed an average of 27 points per game, ranking among the worst in the league in terms of scoring defense.

As great as Lamar Jackson has been this season, the Ravens cannot continue to rely on him to bail out the defense week after week. The team committed a series of penalties in crucial moments and failed to stop key plays—like a 70-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Marr Chase—that kept the Bengals in the game. The Ravens’ defense was also caught off-guard with blown coverages, missed tackles, and a lack of discipline, which are all areas that could prove fatal come playoff time.

Can Lamar Keep Saving the Defense?

As the season progresses, the big question remains: Can Lamar Jackson keep carrying this team, or will the defense’s struggles ultimately cost them when it matters most?

The answer to this question will likely determine how far the Ravens can go in the postseason. Jackson has shown time and time again that he is capable of winning games on his own, but in the playoffs, the stakes are higher. Teams will be more prepared, and there will be no room for errors. A missed extra point or a blown coverage in the final seconds could easily tilt a game in the wrong direction.

If the Ravens are going to make a Super Bowl run, they need their defense to step up. Historically, the teams that win championships have a balanced attack, and Baltimore’s defense—ranked in the bottom 10 for scoring—simply isn’t built to win a title at this point. Even if Jackson can put up MVP-level numbers in the regular season, the Ravens will need a defense that can get stops in clutch moments, something they haven’t shown they can do consistently.

Will the Ravens’ Defense Improve?

There is still time for the Ravens to address their defensive issues. With the right adjustments and a focus on discipline, they could improve enough to become a formidable playoff team. However, this will require the coaching staff to tighten up the game plan and eliminate the costly mistakes that have plagued them all season.

Head coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald will need to make some tough decisions, particularly when it comes to simplifying coverage schemes and reducing penalties. If they can get the defense on track and play complementary football, the Ravens could be a tough team to beat.

But if the defense continues to struggle, Lamar Jackson will be left to carry the load alone—and no matter how great a player is, carrying an entire team week after week becomes unsustainable. Even Jackson’s remarkable performances may not be enough to get past the league’s elite teams if his defense keeps putting them in tough spots.

The Bottom Line

Lamar Jackson is having one of the best seasons we’ve ever seen from a quarterback, and it’s clear he is capable of carrying the Ravens to victory. But as the season progresses, the question looms larger: Can he continue to save a defense that has been consistently disappointing?

If the Ravens are serious about a Super Bowl run, they’ll need more than just Jackson’s heroics. They’ll need their defense to step up in a big way. Until then, the fate of this season rests squarely on the shoulders of Lamar Jackson—and whether he can continue to be the superhero that this team desperately needs.