Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is among the best signal-callers in the league. He is a two-time MVP, and probably should have three if it were not for Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen stealing the award in 2024. Regardless, his play showcases that of a top-two quarterback in the NFL.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is considered by most to be the league's best. He is a three-time Super Bowl champion, three-time Super Bowl MVP, and two-time regular-season MVP. He has racked up all the accolades to earn the title of best quarterback, but Jackson is undoubtedly number two. However, one Chiefs coach does not believe that.
In Week 2 of the 2024 season, the Chiefs won a nail-biter against the Cincinnati Bengals. Like usual, the players and coaches congratulated each other after the game, and one of those meet-ups at midfield was between Chiefs’ defensive coordinator and former Ravens’ coach Steve Spagnuolo and Bengals’ quarterback Joe Burrow. On an episode of ‘Quarterback’ on Netflix, it was revealed what that brief conversation entailed.
“Hey, other than our guy, you’re the best in the business,” Spagnuolo told Burrow. “I’m not saying that ‘cause you’re standing here.”
Steve Spagnuolo just added fuel to the fire
Jackson did not need another driving force going into 2025. However, Spagnuolo just added fuel to the flames already lit under Jackson. Hearing one of the most respected defensive coordinators in the league refer to another quarterback as better than you is one thing, but saying that to a division rival could catch your attention.
Jackson outplayed Burrow last season. He has had the Bengals’ number in head-to-head matchups, too. The 28-year-old has limited turnovers and makes plays no other quarterback can make. The only real achievement Burrow has over Jackson is winning the AFC Championship in 2022.
Baltimore’s quarterback can also beat you in a multitude of ways. He is now one of the most lethal and consistent passing threats in the league, and while he does not run as much as he used to, he still flashes as a borderline untouchable ball carrier in the open field.
The Louisville product will likely not pay any mind to Spagnuolo’s comments. He has proved throughout his career that he does not care about the outside noise. Jackson goes into each contest looking to win. He is a team-first player. Only one thing on his mind this year: winning the Super Bowl.