Many believe that 2019 will be a year in which Lamar Jackson could show some growing pains, but he may have quite an amazing season in store for us…
Since being discussed as an NFL prospect, Lamar Jackson has always been seen as a dual-threat quarterback, with most of his game revolving around his legs. There were plenty of questions about his ability to translate to the NFL level and become an above-average passer.
Still, it was universally agreed upon that Jackson would become one of the league’s best running quarterbacks the moment he stepped onto the field. This has reigned true, as has the fact that he is arguably the most athletic, and most explosive player on the field. All this is an incredible accomplishment and truly highly praise for such a young man, but it’s because of his gifts as a runner rather than a passer.
In 2019, that fact will change for the better, as I believe Lamar Jackson is in store for a breakout season.
When you think of the best dual-threat quarterbacks ever, the first name that comes to mind is Michael Vick. It’s hard to argue against it, considering he is still the NFL’s all-time leading rusher for quarterbacks. Not only this, but Vick is the only quarterback to ever rush for over 1,000-yards in a single season; a feat he accomplished in 2006 as he blazed his way to an unbelievable 1,039-yards.
It seems poetic that Lamar Jackson’s best pro-comparison was to Vick. The two both are uber talented athletes with above-average arm strength, with considerable props being given to Vick, who had an absolute cannon on his left arm.
Despite his arm talent, Vick was never an accomplished passer, finishing his career completing just 56.2% of his passes and having just one season with over 60% completion (excluding 2015, with just five games played and three started). Still, in each season Vick played in ten-or-more games, he threw for at least 2,400-yards.
Michael Vick was truly extraordinary, despite his somewhat mediocre stats (when taken without context). Taking this back to Lamar Jackson, however, Vick set the tone for what an elite season looks like for a quarterback built like the two of them, and I’m here to tell you that Jackson can easily match those numbers, and then some.
For this article, we are taking Vick’s 2006 season and comparing it Jackson’s rookie season stretched out into 16 starts. You’ll be shocked to see how similar the two are and can truly put into context just where Lamar Jackson is at just 22-years old.