As long as he’s wearing the purple and black, the Baltimore Ravens’ biggest threat is and always will be Lamar Jackson. No matter what, he’s a game-changer just by standing on the field.
Unfortunately, 2025 has people forgetting about the player Jackson truly is. He got completely disrespected by the NFL Top 100, and the media has had some questionable takes about the 29-year-old over the past month. They’re in for a rude awakening.
Most of the criticism has questioned one of two things: whether turning 30 years old will slow Jackson down, or if it’ll be the injuries. Well, during Wednesday’s training camp practice, Kyle Hamilton revealed a shocking possibility that might put those questions to rest.
“I feel like [Jackson] might’ve gotten faster…somehow,” Hamilton said. “I don’t wanna age him, but he’s turning a certain age next year, and it doesn’t seem like that.”
Baltimore Ravens may witness unfair version of Lamar Jackson take off in 2026
If what Hamilton said is true, that’s just unfair. It feels unrealistic, as Jackson is coming off a season flooded with injuries, and is closing in on the 30-year-old-mark. When you combine those two factors, it’s certainly fair to wonder if he’ll be less explosive and lean more toward the precision passing side of his game…but apparently that’s not a concern.
Sure, Jackson was way slower in 2025, but that was almost entirely due to the hamstring injury. And if it wasn’t the hamstring, it was some other lower-body injury causing him trouble. He’s returned to full health in 2026, though, and his insane speed might be coming with it and then some.
As for the age factor, that could benefit Jackson more than harm him. It’s always notable when a player turns 30, especially when you’re a dual-threat quarterback like Jackson. However, where it’ll help him is his mentality, IQ, and ability to process the defense sitting across from him.
While meeting with the media, Jackson spoke about why he thinks his best football is in front of him, and it's for that exact reason.
“Each and every year you’re getting older, your mind is getting sharper,” Jackson said. “Everything is slowing down even more. It’s like you’ve seen everything—anything the defense can bring at you. The only thing different now is just the new offense. Once I get that down pat, I feel like there’s no room for error with us.”
If he figures out that offense, things could get really dangerous for opposing defenses.
Jackson will go to work under a new offensive coordinator once more, and if history repeats itself, another MVP-caliber campaign could be coming. Declan Doyle’s playcalling should favor Jackson, too, as his play-action tendencies will make the most of what Jackson does best. The two-time MVP is the best in the NFL when those plays are dialed up.
In addition to that, Jackson will also have an actually competitive interior offensive line in front of him. It’s possibly the most improved spot on the team this year, and the entire group from left to right tackle may grow into one of the best protection units in the league.
With all the necessary improvements by his side, Jackson could unlock the best version of himself in 2026. And through the early stages of training camp, it sounds like he's on that trajectory.
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