The Baltimore Ravens’ heartbreaking 27-25 playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills has reignited tired narratives about Lamar Jackson’s postseason performances. But leave it to Good Morning Football’s Peter Schrager to bring a little perspective, comparing Lamar to two of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
Schrager pointed out something Ravens fans should take to heart: greatness doesn’t always happen overnight.
“Peyton Manning was 3-6 in the playoffs in his first six seasons. John Elway lost three Super Bowls and had to wait a decade to get a chance to finish his script. Lamar Jackson is in his seventh year. His postseason story is still being written. And that’s okay!” Schrager said.
Peyton Manning was 3-6 in the playoffs in his first six seasons. John Elway lost three Super Bowls and had to wait a decade to get a chance to finish his script. Lamar Jackson is in his seventh year. His post season story is still being written. And that's okay!
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) January 20, 2025
- @PSchrags pic.twitter.com/WYZOXldX1U
Let’s break that down. Peyton Manning—the Sheriff himself—posted a 3-6 playoff record through his first six seasons. Critics labeled him a regular-season hero who couldn’t deliver in January.
Fast forward a few years, and Manning retired with two Super Bowl wins, five MVP awards, and a legacy as one of the greatest to ever play the game. If Manning had given up after his early struggles, the NFL world would’ve missed out on one of its all-time icons.
Then there’s John Elway. Early in his career, Elway went 7-6 in the postseason and suffered three brutal Super Bowl losses. But Elway never let the failures define him. Instead, he closed his career with back-to-back Super Bowl titles and rode off into the sunset as a Denver Broncos legend.
So, where does Lamar fit into all of this? Jackson’s 3-5 playoff record is a sore spot, but it’s far from the full story. He’s already a two-time MVP (with rumors swirling about a potential third), the most electrifying dual-threat quarterback we’ve ever seen, and the engine of one of the NFL’s most dangerous offenses. Like Manning and Elway, Lamar has plenty of time to rewrite the narrative.
If history has taught us anything, it’s this: early playoff struggles don’t define a quarterback. Schrager’s comments should remind everyone that even the best need time to put it all together. So Ravens fans, take a deep breath. Lamar’s postseason story isn’t over—it’s just getting started.