"We can not jump": Cam Newton discredits Ravens' TNF win amid playoff contention debate with Lamar Jackson's return

The Baltimore Ravens got back to winning ways on Thursday night as Lamar Jackson returned to action after being sidelined with injury for a couple of weeks. The Ravens defeated the Miami Dolphins 28-6 to secure their third win of the season following six losses.

While this has ignited the talks of the Ravens getting back on track to become the Super Bowl contender once again, Cam Newton believes it's too early to say. In his appearance on “First Take” on Friday, Newton discredited the Thursday night win, noting it doesn't have much to say on the team’s season.

“We've always said it,” Newton said. “We know exactly who Lamar Jackson is. He is the most dominant force in football with his ability to take control of the game. His ability to attack defenses in many different ways. And that's what we needed to see, 80% percentage, very efficient offensively.

“But this is the thing that we also have to understand and acknowledge. We cannot jump to the understanding of, ‘Hey, they're back.’ Well, we have to also give this understanding and revelation that it was the Miami Dolphins, respectfully.”

Lamar Jackson completed 18 of 23 passes for 204 yards and four touchdowns to ignite the win over the Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Nonetheless, Cam Newton believes it's inconsequential with respect to what the rest of the season holds for the Ravens

Cam Newton highlights the concerns despite Lamar Jackson's return

Without a doubt, Lamar Jackson's return from injury is a positive development for the Ravens. However, Cam Newton pointed out the areas that raise a lot of concerns for the team moving forward. He, nonetheless, indicates how the team can survive the storm.

“The thing that you can say is like, ‘Okay, you've seen the signs. Hey, Lamar ain't looking rusty,’” But then you start to see the defense is giving up a lot of yards still. But the thing that you can hang your hat on, no pun intended, Willie Walker, is their ability to play opportunistic.

“Getting after the football, the most important thing in football is the football. And when you have a team that can get interceptions, create turnovers, fumble, and things like that, that's what you would like to see from the football team.”

The Ravens have made it to the NFL playoffs six times in the last seven seasons, including the last three. While they were projected as a Super Bowl contender during the offseason, an unimpressive start has created some doubts. Nonetheless, Lamar Jackson is set to prove everyone wrong once again.