Commanders stun Eagles, Bengals keep playoff hopes alive
Mackenzie Salmon reacts to the biggest storylines from Week 16 in the NFL.
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Saturday’s decisive win over the Pittsburgh Steelers was a very strong indication that the Baltimore Ravens are completely back in sync, presumably focused on winning the AFC North as the regular season winds down – and much more beyond that.
At least you’d think so.
But as they prepare for their third game in 11 days – a Christmas afternoon date with the Texans in Houston, a game that will feature a halftime concert performance by Beyoncé – Baltimore quarterback (and MVP contender) Lamar Jackson admitted that his mind might be elsewhere … at least temporarily on Wednesday.
Asked Monday if he was disappointed he wouldn’t be able to witness Beyoncé flex in her hometown, Jackson, twice the league’s MVP, replied: “No, because I’m going to go out there and watch. I’m going to go out there and watch. First time seeing Beyoncé perform, and it’s at our game – that’s dope. I’m going to go out and watch. Sorry (to coach John) Harbaugh, sorry. Sorry, fellas.”
Classic Lamar, who also revealed his preferred Beyoncé song is “To the left.”
Given the chance to revise his answer after being asked if the Ravens would have to lead the Texans by a certain amount at intermission for him to sneak a peek at the superstar’s show, Jackson doubled down.
“No, I’m not even thinking about the lead,” he said. “I was just thinking about just seeing Beyoncé for the first time. Not saying it like that – no disrespect or (anything), because I know how people can take things. Next question.”
No telling how serious Jackson is, but it wouldn’t be the first time a player skipped the opportunity to make halftime adjustments in favor of entertainment. Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson and long snapper Clark Harris infamously watched the Super Bowl 56 halftime show in Los Angeles, which featured Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar and others.
But regardless of where Jackson is during halftime and however the game is going, there’s no chance Harbaugh will have competing priorities.
“I can’t say I’m a huge Beyoncé fan, but I think I like her,” Baltimore’s HC said. “Is she doing country now? You think some of those country songs will be in there? You’ll have to report to me on that.”
She previously performed at halftime of Super Bowl 47 in New Orleans, which was also the last time the Ravens hoisted the Lombardi Trophy.
“Did she? That’s good to know,” said Harbaugh, who beat his brother Jim’s San Francisco 49ers that day.
“I do remember that now. Focus, focus.”
Words of wisdom Harbaugh will almost surely be sharing with his star-struck quarterback in the next few days.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis on X, formerly Twitter, @ByNateDavis.