Ravens vs. Dolphins: Lamar Jackson’s Resounding Comeback

By Jamison Hensley & Marcel Louis-Jacques

October 30, 2025, 11:09 PM ET

Lamar Jackson’s Thrilling Return

In a much-anticipated comeback, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson showcased his prowess on Thursday night, dominating the Miami Dolphins with a stellar performance that served as a definitive statement: he’s back. After a 32-day hiatus due to a hamstring injury, Jackson threw four touchdown passes, leading the Ravens to a solid 28-6 victory.

Performance Snapshot
Jackson completed 18 of 23 passes for 204 yards, demonstrating impressive accuracy and control. His return was particularly significant given that he had not played for the past three games, yet he showed little sign of rust. His quick decisions and ability to evade pressure were instrumental in executing plays effectively.

Interestingly, against the Dolphins—his hometown team—Jackson’s remarkable performance wasn’t a surprise. He has now notched three of his 13 games with four or more touchdown passes against Miami, the highest he has against any single opponent. His ability to shine in high-pressure situations underscores his competitive spirit and skill.

Ravens’ Momentum Shifts

This decisive win not only put the Ravens back in the conversation but also improved their record to 3-5. With upcoming games against opponents with a combined record of 9-22, Baltimore appears poised to continue this momentum, especially with their sights set on the AFC North, where they trail the Pittsburgh Steelers by 1.5 games.

Defensive Resurgence
Beyond Jackson’s offensive brilliance, the Ravens showcased a defensive turnaround, limiting their opponents to 17 points or fewer in three consecutive games. This marks a stark contrast to their early-season struggles, where they allowed a staggering average of 35.4 points per game. A healthier roster and a more cohesive game plan have revitalized this unit, reflecting a team eager to overcome their rocky start.

Dolphins: A Reflection of Frustration

In sharp contrast, the Miami Dolphins’ performance left much to be desired. Despite outgaining the Ravens in the first half and maintaining a solid possession game, they succumbed to familiar pitfalls that have plagued their season. A series of costly mistakes—from missed opportunities to penalties—hampered their progress, leading to their disappointing 2-7 record.

Key Highlights
The Dolphins had their fair share of potential scoring plays derailed by errors, including a the missed fourth-and-1 conversion and a lost fumble deep in their territory. Coach Mike McDaniel’s frustrations were evident as his team struggled to capitalize on their strengths, resulting in a disappointing home loss.

Quarterback Comparisons: Jackson vs. Tagovailoa

While Jackson shone brightly, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa faced challenges throughout the game. Following a commanding performance against the Falcons, he found himself hampered by a Ravens defense that exploited his limitations. Tagovailoa completed 18 of 25 passes for 209 yards within the first 2.5 seconds but faltered significantly when forced to extend plays beyond that timeframe.

His connection with receiver Jaylen Waddle appeared promising but ultimately fell short, as Miami struggled to stretch plays downfield effectively. The Ravens’ defense was particularly effective in containing Miami and forcing turnovers—elements Tagovailoa and the Dolphins could not afford to overlook.

Tactical Analysis: Dolphins’ Shortcomings

For the Dolphins, their inability to establish a consistent running game and control the line of scrimmage was a pivotal factor. Despite a previous commitment to the run, Miami’s strategy seemed disjointed against the Ravens. The numbers tell the story: they ran the ball only 20 times, with De’Von Achane accounting for 14 of those attempts. The imbalance in their game plan limited their offensive effectiveness and contributed to their failures in critical moments, particularly in the red zone.

Outlook for Both Teams

Looking ahead, the Ravens will seek to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next matchup against the Minnesota Vikings on November 9. With Jackson back in the fold and the defense gaining confidence, Baltimore is primed for a push, hoping to turn their season around.

Conversely, the Dolphins will have a mini-bye to regroup before facing the Buffalo Bills. With trade deadlines approaching and significant questions surrounding the roster, Miami must make crucial decisions to salvage their season and regain competitive footing in a challenging landscape.

Both teams face important challenges in the coming weeks, but for the Ravens, the message is clear: they are back, and they are not backing down.