In a highly-anticipated divisional round game against the Texans, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will be entering his first playoff game in a staggering 1,099 days. The Ravens' last playoff appearance, which ended in a disappointing 17-3 loss to the Bills in the divisional round, feels like a distant memory. However, it's worth noting that Jackson's absence from the postseason was due to season-ending injuries in the preceding two years.

Jackson's playoff record stands at 1-3, a stat that falls short in comparison to his fellow quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who boasts two Super Bowl titles. Surprisingly, Jackson shares the same number of playoff wins as John Wolford, a third-string QB who barely made it through the first quarter of a playoff win last year. While this playoff record may cause concern for some, it is worth noting that legendary quarterback Peyton Manning had an 0-3 playoff record in his first five seasons.

The statistical analysis behind Jackson's playoff struggles reveals a more concerning story. Throughout his playoff career, the Ravens have averaged a mere 13.0 points per game, ranking as the second-lowest average among quarterbacks with at least four playoff starts in the last 30 seasons. This places Jackson just ahead of Andy Dalton, who holds a winless 0-4 playoff record with one touchdown pass and six interceptions.

Furthermore, Jackson's postseason performance reflects a significant decline compared to his regular-season success. With a 68.3 passer rating in the playoffs, Jackson's rating drops nearly 30 points from his regular-season career, making it the fifth-largest decline in NFL history.

However, it is crucial to note that Jackson's playoff struggles are not cause for panic just yet. Manning's early playoff struggles did not hinder his eventual successful career. With his exceptional athleticism and growth as a passer, Jackson has the potential to overcome these challenges and lead the Ravens on a deep playoff run.

As Jackson prepares to face the Texans, he will undoubtedly be determined to shed the playoff woes of the past and showcase his playoff prowess. The Ravens and their fans hope that Jackson's return to the postseason will mark the beginning of a new chapter in his playoff journey—one filled with victories and an improved statistical performance.

Only time will tell if Lamar Jackson can silence his critics and prove that he is more than capable of leading the Ravens to playoff success.