On Friday’s episode of Get Up, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said that many teams around the NFL believe they could “figure out” Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson this season.
When Jackson was asked about the comment after training camp practice on Tuesday, the former league MVP responded the best way any team leader could.
"I doubt it. We're gonna play ball." @Lj_era8 pic.twitter.com/tjmGf2mrfk
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 24, 2021
Since entering the league in 2018, Jackson has faced harsh criticism by many.
At the 2018 NFL Combine, a Los Angeles Chargers scout spoke with Jackson about running wide receiver routes. Jackson declined to take part and confirmed that he will only participate in quarterback drills.
In 2019, after a Week 3 performance against one of the better teams in the NFL in the Kansas City Chiefs, Jackson was criticized for his ability to throw the football on First Take by ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith.
Jackson would go on to lead the league in touchdown passes (36) and become the unanimous NFL MVP.
During the 2020 season, after losing his first two playoff games the past two seasons, many believed Jackson would never win a playoff game.
He put that narrative to rest after the Ravens defeated the Tennessee Titans 20-13 off a stellar performance by Jackson. Jackson was 17-of-24 in passes for 179 yards. He also rushed for a touchdown and added 136 yards on the ground.
What more does Lamar Jackson need to prove?
There is always a microscope on Jackson. Whether he performs well or has a bad game, someone always has something to say about his ability under center.
Jackson has led the Ravens to the postseason in three straight seasons, is the only quarterback in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons, led the league in touchdown passes, is 30-7 (.810) in regular-season starts, and has a league MVP added on to his growing resume.
Jackson has proved that he is one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the NFL. He wins football games — there should be nothing left to prove. Despite that, Jackson has arguably faced more negative reviews by any quarterback currently in the league.
Certainly the critics will continue to fuel Lamar Jackson as he pursues his dream of reaching the Super Bowl.