Ranking Ravens QB Lamar Jackson's top 5 plays from 2021 NFL season 

Lamar Jackson didn't play on Sunday, but there's reason to let a weekend go by without some electrifying antics from the Baltimore Ravens quarterback.

In the wake of the Ravens' 16-13 win over the Chicago Bears, one earned without Jackson's services as he recovers from a (non-COVID) illness, we look back at the 24-year-old quarterback's finest moments so far in 2021.

When did Jackson break the internet in 2021?

#5- Air Jackson

An unwanted aura of scrutiny followed the Ravens after dropping a Week 1 Monday night contest in Las Vegas. Another prime-time loss against Kansas City probably would've made things even more awkward, as the Ravens fell behind against the Chiefs.

A little Jackson magic helped Baltimore make a big leap — quite literally — in their quest to earn a crucial early win against the defending AFC champions. Jackson's jump pass launch, locating a wide-open Marquise Brown, helped change the course of the game as the pair united for a 42-yard touchdown that narrowed a two-possession gap.

Jackson's leap of glory on that Sunday evening wouldn't be the last time he took flight on that Sunday evening.

#4 - Viva Lamar Vegas

The Ravens' Week 1 excursion to Sin City ended on a sour note, as they were the victims of a come-from-behind victory engineered by Derek Carr and the Raiders. That didn't stop Jackson from providing a lights-out performance, one highlighted by a showstopping touchdown pass that helped Baltimore build their star-crossed lead.

Anyone hoping that the offseason took some of Jackson's edge away was left sorely disappointed, as some fancy footwork allowed him to avoid the Las Vegas rush and find Brown in the back of the end zone.

#3 - Rocky Mountain Fly

Granted a pesky challenge from the upstart Denver Broncos, Jackson and the Ravens needed a way to dispose of them instantly. Fortunately, Brown was there to help make things right.

A majestic 49-yard toss sailed from Jackson's hand and into the Purple Mountains' Majesties of the Rockies. When it finally came down, Brown was there to break its fall with a diving grab that helped Denver take the lead for good. The Ravens would go on to win the game by a 23-14 final scoreline.

#2 - Indy-pendence Day Fireworks

The whispers and rumors were tiring before they even began: Jackson and the Ravens appeared destined to come up short in a primetime setting in an October Monday night matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, one that saw the Colts own a three-possession lead in the fourth quarter. Critics cocked their keyboard weapons, ready to bestow tired Twitter takes that Jackson wasn't ready for the big time.

The moment to fire never came.

Jackson not only led the Ravens all the way back, he wound up setting a new career-best 442 passing yards, the last five coming on a game-winning score to Brown. It was a performance that firmly established Jackson's MVP case, one he should resume upon his return.

#1 - K.C. Masterpiece

In an effort that would make Creed Bratton proud, Jackson capped off the aforementioned Sunday night tilt against the Chiefs with the perfect cartwheel.

Faking a handoff to Ty'Son Williams, Jackson broke loose for a one-yard score that sent Charm City into a frenzy and gave the Ravens the separation they needed to earn a 36-35 victory.

Jackson capped off his untouched rush to pay-purple with a spectacular dive whose hangtime might've rivaled those of some of the punts that evening. The aerial showcase has become a mainstay of NFL promotions for national broadcasts — ones that are well on pace to continue featuring Jackson on a regular basis.