It didn't take ESPN analyst and former Pittsburgh Steeler Ryan Clark long to conjure one of the worst takes of the 2024 NFL season. In fact, it took Clark all of five weeks.
On Friday’s episode of Get Up, Clark claimed that Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is a better passer than Ravens star Lamar Jackson.
Absolutely unreal stuff from Ryan Clark here
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) October 11, 2024
“Right now, today, through five games, Jayden Daniels is a better passer than Lamar Jackson” pic.twitter.com/QgtKeIpdHx
Clark’s take is a tough pill to swallow. He begins by showering Jackson with compliments, calling him “one of the best QBs he’s ever seen” and “one of the greatest football players in league history.” But then he completely undercuts that praise by declaring Daniels the superior passer.
It’s not surprising that Clark is hyping up Daniels ahead of the Commanders’ trip to Baltimore to face the Ravens this Sunday. The game is the talk of the town, with all eyes on these two electric quarterbacks. But Clark’s reasoning behind such a wild take is definitely up for debate.
Daniels has played five games in the NFL. What are we doing here? What is the point of Clark's take?
This tired comment feeds into the inaccurate narrative that Jackson is nothing more than a dual-threat quarterback. It’s a lazy shot at his throwing ability, and frankly, it’s a take that holds no weight.
Ryan Clark's comments on Jayden Daniels are disrespectful to Lamar Jackson
Clark is no stranger to giving Lamar Jackson backhanded compliments. He’s built a reputation for it. His remarks often begin with praise for Jackson, only to be followed by contradictory nonsense. And it’s not going unnoticed.
Don’t wanna hear any more back handed compliments about Lamar Jackson. Ryan Clark always got sum to say https://t.co/BTJHN8p5bE
— Lights,Camera, Jackson🎬⚡️🎱 (@_yeaitsbreezy) October 11, 2024
Sure, Clark’s a lifelong Steeler, so the bias is clear. But that doesn’t make it any less frustrating to hear him constantly tear down one of the most electric players in the game.
What’s really unacceptable is Clark’s failure to recognize Jackson for what he is - a two-time MVP and one of the league’s most dynamic players.
Yes, Jayden Daniels has been accurate this season, leading the NFL with a 77.1% completion rate. Impressive, no doubt. But is that really the only stat we should use to claim Daniels is a better passer? Jackson leads Daniels in passing touchdowns, passing yards, QB rating, and has thrown fewer interceptions.
So maybe pump the brakes before claiming a rookie who’s only played five games is better than the reigning MVP.
Daniels is off to a great start, no question. But to go on-air and announce that he’s a better passer than Lamar Jackson? That’s absurd. Ridiculous. Pure nonsense.
Both Jackson and Daniels will get the chance to settle this debate on the field this Sunday, as the Ravens face off against the Commanders in a highly anticipated showdown.
With both quarterbacks performing at an elite level, fans will get a front-row seat to see who truly shines as the better passer. Whether it’s the seasoned veteran or the rookie sensation, Sunday’s game will offer further insight into Clark’s terrible claim.