Do you remember when experts questioned a young quarterback named Lamar Jackson out of Louisville, wondering if the kid could play the position in the NFL? Team executives wanted to change the dual-threat to a running back or receiver. The 2016 Heisman Trophy Winner was the fifth quarterback taken off the board with the 32nd pick by the Baltimore Ravens.
29 other teams (excluding only the Chiefs and Bills) may be regretting their decision not to select Jackson as he seeks his third MVP. Jackson has done nothing but prove doubters wrong and could arguably be the most exciting player in the league. Will Jackson hoist another MVP Trophy at the end of the season? It will be a difficult task for anyone to dethrone him this season!
Lamar Jackson By the Numbers
Lamar Jackson is having an incredible seventh year in the league, that may result in the 27-year-old’s third MVP. He currently has the second-best odds to win the award according to the guys in the desert only behind Buffalo Bills Quarterback Josh Allen. Both quarterbacks are products of the 2018 first round draft, which also included Bucs Quarterback Baker Mayfield and Vikings fill-in Quarterback Sam Darnold.
Jackson has the numbers this season to back up his MVP case leading the league in multiple statistical categories. Amongst quarterbacks, Jackson ranks No. 1 in the following categories: passer rating, passing touchdowns, passing yards, rushing yards, total touchdowns, and total yards This also includes a career-high completion percentage just north of 67% with only 3 interceptions on the year.
The duel-threat quarterback just keeps proving haters wrong by putting up great numbers season after season making the Baltimore Ravens contenders every year. The addition of former Tennessee Titans Running Back Derrick Henry has given the Ravens another offensive weapon, who is having an MVP-caliber season as well. In years past, Jackson had limited help on offense but with Henry, the option has been a huge strategic gameplan keeping defenses on their heels. The young duo of receivers the Ravens have added, Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, have also balled out since joining Mark Andrews as Jackson’s favorite targets.
Jackson Needs a Super Bowl Appearance
The one thing that has eluded Lamar Jackson’s phenomenal career is a Super Bowl appearance. He is a two-time MVP but has never made it to the big game. If the Ravens could win the championship with their MVP-caliber quarterback at the helm, he would undoubtedly be considered one of the best and most dangerous quarterbacks of all time. He is one of the most exciting players in the league and would be an attraction for casual fans to witness. Baltimore seems to be in the mix every season and is looking to get over their playoff hump.
The AFC will most likely come down to a three-team race between the Chiefs, Bills, and Jackson’s Ravens. Coach John Harbaugh has been to the Super Bowl in the past with a less talented but still respected quarterback, Joe Flacco. This team and its staff can make it there, they just need to do so to cement Jackson’s legacy as one of the greatest to ever play.
Final Thoughts
There are executives, scouts, coaches, and analysts looking foolish for thinking that Lamar Jackson couldn’t play the position coming out of college. Josh Rosen was drafted before this man! Remember That! He is on pace to possibly win his third MVP in his seventh NFL season. His accuracy and decision making are continuously improving, yet he still possesses the skill to beat you with his legs.
He might be the toughest player to defend in the league with his duel-threat tendencies. By the way, I hope some of you read my article before the season on taking the over on Jackson’s rushing yards at 685.5 for the season. He is currently at 599 and has plenty of time to surpass the mark. So hopefully you can cash in, in the following weeks!
