Ebony Bird
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A Comprehensive Guide to debating Lamar Jackson doubters

By Chris Schisler

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens stands on the field after the Baltimore Ravens 26-24 win over Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens stands on the field after the Baltimore Ravens 26-24 win over Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens rushes for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens rushes for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Debunking the idea that running quarterbacks don’t last:

Did you know that Steve Young ran the ball 722 times in his NFL career? Young had nine seasons with over 50 rushing attempts. His career high for rushing was 537 yards. He was one of the better scrambling quarterbacks in NFL history and nobody ever worried about his shelf life in the NFL. Russell Wilson has had two seasons where he ran the football over 100 times. The year he won the Super Bowl, Wilson had 96 rushing attempts. Wilson has run the football 645 times in seven seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. Running the football as a quarterback can work out after all and Jackson runs the ball better than any quarterback we’ve ever seen.

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Calling Jackson a running quarterback is also a way to take a shot at his throwing ability. As Jackson develops as a passer he will become less and less reliant on being a running quarterback. In Donovan McNabb’s first two full seasons as a starting quarterback he had over 80 rushing attempts. After a 71 rushing attempt season in the 2004 season he never had more than 50 rushing attempts. He had the ability to scramble and create, but McNabb stopped leaning on his running ability. Why can’t Jackson do the same thing? Why is Jackson what he is for now and to all perpetuity? It literally doesn’t work that way for any other player. It’s not like the Ravens are going to stop coaching Jackson.

The point is that the quarterback keeper can be a part of the game plan on a weekly basis. It was true back in the 1990’s with Steve Young. It’s a big part of what makes the Seattle Seahawks so dangerous. Tom Brady and Peyton Manning have had season ending injuries standing in the pocket. Football is a dangerous game no matter what position you play. It’s just the idea that running quarterbacks have never had success is frankly false. Jackson should always keep his speed as something his opponents have to worry about.

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