Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has surpassed a legendary milestone during his blazing start to the 2021 NFL season. Not even Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has this caliber of play on his resume.
And according to FanSided’s own NFL Insider, Matt Lombardo, at least one high-ranking NFL executive also sees that Jackson is having a better season than the Chiefs’ signal-caller.
Correct.
— Matt Lombardo (@MattLombardoNFL) October 22, 2021
I had an NFC Personnel director tell me this week “I think I’d fear game-planning for Lamar Jackson right now more than Patrick Mahomes.” #Ravens #NFL https://t.co/iLoqOBLbHU https://t.co/h6buVstXe6
While the campaign is still young, Jackson’s contributions to the Ravens organization thus far are unparalleled considering the team’s ominous start back in August.
Lamar Jackson has willed the Ravens to victory in spite of injuries
Before Week 1 of the 2021 NFL regular season, the Ravens endured a brutal stretch of injuries. However, despite the hardships, the Ravens have not allowed it to be an excuse to hinder their championship hopes.
Instead, quarterback Lamar Jackson has taken the reins in crunch time and executed when it mattered most.
Lamar Jackson's touchdown flip against the #Chiefs via NFL Films, what a moment. pic.twitter.com/ipuKaytcLw
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 21, 2021
As it stands now, the Ravens possess a 5-1 win/loss record on the season. So when it comes to the debate of whether who is the better player between Jackson and Mahomes this season, the discussion should be minuscule.
Ravens’ Lamar Jackson leads the NFL in crucial stats compared to Patrick Mahomes
While Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes leads the NFL with 18 passing touchdowns this season, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is tied for NFL game-winning drives and comebacks with three each.
In addition to leading impressive comeback performances, Jackson has also thrown three fewer interceptions than Mahomes on the season in the same amount of games played.
It is essential to consider the context of both players’ situations. While Mahomes has had All-Pro-caliber skill players in Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce for each start, Jackson has had a revolving door of players on offense around him due to injuries.
Switch their situations, and Mahomes might have more turnovers than he does now.
Above all, when it comes to the most valuable player to an organization, it is clear that Jackson is both achieving and performing more under less-than-ideal circumstances compared to his Chiefs counterpart.