Former NFL MVP torches critics with blistering defense of Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is truly one of the most electric players to ever play in the NFL. Whether he's juking a defender into another galaxy, facing pressure head-on, while throwing a dime on the dot, or making impossible plays look easy, he's the best.

Jackson has been passing rushing records left and right this season. He's now only trailing the legendary Mike Vick in quarterback rushing yards. While it's an incredible accomplishment, this season has been more about what Jackson is doing with his arms than his legs. Year two with offensive coordinator Todd Monken has Jackson putting up career numbers.

While the passing stats are undeniably impressive—3,290 yards, 29 touchdowns, and just three interceptions—some argue that he’s leaning too heavily on his passing game. In doing so, they claim, he might be neglecting what truly sets him apart: his electrifying ability as a runner.

One of the most recent Jackson supporters (and QBs he's passed on the rushing ladder) is former Carolina Panthers great Cam Newton.

Former NFL MVP Cam Newton showers praise on Lamar Jackson

On his 4th and 1 podcast, Newton rained flowers on Lamar Jackson, highlighting his rare ability to take over games with his legs. He didn’t hold back when addressing the critics who’ve doubted Lamar, defending him as exactly what he is: the most dynamic football player in NFL history.

The former MVP had this to say:
"He is the greatest dual-threat QB to play this game, bar none. You can do things on the football field that nobody has ever been able to do. That’s your skill, not your deficit.”

Sound all the way up on the video if you are Lamar Jackson, a fan of Lamar Jackson, a critic of Lamar Jackson, or just looking at how to motivate others. Newton goes scorched earth on the media members who dare to take away the aspects of Jackson's game that make him one-of-one.

Why should the media judge how he plays the game? If the Ravens are winning, do the means to the end really matter? Why are media members, who have never played the game, telling him how to play? On his podcast, Newton vehemently disagreed with all that noise. He pleaded with Jackson to ignore the outside criticism—just be himself.

The lack of playoff success in Baltimore continues to overshadow Lamar Jackson’s greatness. A Lombardi Trophy would silence every bit of the "Ravens can’t win with Lamar" nonsense once and for all. This tired argument comes from media critics who refuse to acknowledge Jackson’s unique talents as both a passer and a runner. He’s not a running back—he’s the most dynamic quarterback the league has ever seen. Just ask Cam Newton.

Newton urges Lamar to ignore the media noise and focus on showcasing the skills that make him truly one of a kind—doing things on the football field that, as Newton puts it, "nobody has ever been able to do."

Newton's sentiments mirror those of Jackson's mother, Felicia Jones, who recently "cussed" Jackson out for his lack of mobility in the Ravens' 24-19 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Jones told her son there were lanes he could have taken and run, but Jackson stated he was waiting for his receivers to develop their routes.

For a two-time MVP, his rushing stats might not seem eye-popping, but they’re still impressive: 678 yards and three rushing touchdowns so far. He’s on pace to finish the season with around 900 rushing yards—a mark that would rank in the top three of his seven-year career.

Fresh off their bye week, the Ravens are gearing up to face the struggling 2-11 New York Giants. Lamar Jackson now has plenty of time to let Newton’s pep talk sink in. Week 15 will show us just how much of it resonates—and how he responds on the field.

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