Bengals' Marvin Lewis after being gashed by Ravens' Lamar Jackson: 'Quarterbacks don't run forever'

In his first NFL start, Ravens rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson torched the Bengals defense in Baltimore’s 24-21 win.

Playing to his strengths, the former Heisman trophy winner at Louisville set a team record with 117 rushing yards. Jackson’s 27 rushing attempts were the most rushes by a quarterback in the Super Bowl era and his 117 yards were the most by a quarterback in four years, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

After the game, Bengals coach Marvin Lewis had this to say about Jackson: "Quarterbacks don't run forever in the NFL. Sooner or later, they get hurt, and they don't run the same. But, today, he could run, and he did a good job."

Tell us how you really feel, coach.

Filling in for Joe Flacco, who was sidelined with a hip injury, Jackson completed 13-of-19 passes for 150 yards, one interception and zero touchdowns. He led the team in rushing, followed by Gus Edwards, who ran for 115 yards and a touchdown on just 17 carries.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

With 256 yards on 55 attempts, Jackson is the team's leading rusher this season behind Alex Collins (411 yards on 114 attempts).

Ravens coach John Harbaugh said he doesn’t believe Jackson will run the ball as much in future games, saying, “I think that's what Lamar felt that it took today."

"I don't believe it's going to take that many carries every week. It's not what we're going to be shooting for, by any stretch,” said Harbaugh. “But, if it takes that many, Lamar will do it.”

The win moved the Ravens (5-5) into second place in the AFC North, keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Four of Baltimore’s six remaining opponents rank 21st-or-worse in the NFL in run defense: Oakland (31st), Atlanta (21st), Kansas City (22nd) and Cleveland (28th).

While Harbaugh doesn’t see Jackson running as much down the stretch, Ravens safety Eric Weddle hopes the young quarterback doesn’t stray from what he does best.

"I think that's who Lamar is when you drafted him," said Weddle. "Why all of a sudden do you want to change what he does best? Look at what he did today. It was crazy, pretty amazing. He's only going to get better throwing the ball. The element that he can run is what makes him Lamar Jackson.”