Just when you think the good times are rolling and everything seems good in the world, the Ravens fans get some more Lamar Jackson pushback. Another day, more unfair criticism thrown at Lamar Jackson. Jackson is about as electric on the field as they come. If he isn't already, he will be the NFL's best dual-threat QB in its history.
Jackson is must-watch television. His playmaking leaves fans speechless. The immensely talented QB has a starting record of 58-19. He's led the Baltimore Ravens to the postseason four times in his six NFL seasons. Unfortunately, this is where the criticism typically creeps in.
Jackson's regular season heroics are those of legend. At just 27 years old, he's already won two MVP awards. On Sundays, you can find him scampering around the field, leaving defenders in the dust and missed tackle stats climbing. The regular season is easy for Jackson. Come playoff time, the narrative shifts.
The knock against him is that he can't win in the postseason and that he flops when the lights are brightest. This is evidenced by his 2-4 overall playoff record and significantly worse passer rating in the playoffs (75.7) in comparison to the regular season (98.0). The elusive Super Bowl appearance continues to evade Jackson, and his critics point that out constantly. Many skeptics believe his style of play doesn't bode well in postseason football.
Former Packers Super Bowl champ criticizes Lamar's approach
On Wednesday, August 21, 2024, former Packer wide receiver James Jones addressed the validity of the criticism on FS1's 'Speak', acknowledging that it was fair.
"He's average at best. Are we keeping it 100? Lamar Jackson is one of my favorite players. At best in the playoffs, he's average... So he has to accept the criticism and go out here and make sure, 'Hey man, y'all think I can't do this? Watch this.' He has to do that. But the criticism is absolutely fair, because he's not the Lamar Jackson that we're used to seeing in the playoffs versus the regular season."James Jones on FS1 'Speak'
Jones later compares the criticism to New York Jets QB Aaron Rogers stating that until he finds ways to win in the postseason, the noise will always follow.
Jackson has been dismissive of criticism in the past. The comments will likely mean little to Jackson. During an appearance on Mad Dog Radio Jackson explained how his motivation comes from within, not from the outside.
"We're getting closer, I'll say that. We've just got to keep going, and God's will, we'll be there. That's our goal. We criticize ourselves more than anyone else, so what people say on the outside, that's just their take. They can believe what they want to believe but we know what we want. We know what we're striving for."Lamar Jackson on Mad Dog Radio
There's no doubt that Jackson and Co. must be tired of hearing about the playoff letdowns, but to a certain extent, the critiques are valid. The Ravens have not made it to the Super Bowl under Jackson. However, the noise shouldn't be around Jackson's abilities. That's just nonsense. He's proved that he's good enough to win. It's hard to win championships in professional sports.
Equate the Ravens' noise to the NBA champion Boston Celtics. For years Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were criticized for not winning it all. It took time, but this past season they were able to figure it out and win the NBA championship. The Ravens can operate similarly. People forget Peyton Manning won his first Super Bowl at age 30, and John Elway won his first at age 37.
It's frustrating that such a talented player and franchise hasn't gotten over the hump. It's frustrating in the brightest of lights, the team sometimes disappears. It's frustrating that Jackson hasn't led the Ravens to the Super Bowl. Breath. Relax. Calm down. There's still plenty of time.
While there is still plenty of time, the only real way to silence the critics is to win a Super Bowl. Luckily for the Ravens, they have an excellent head coach in John Harbaugh, the best fanbase in the NFL, an awesome defense, and an uber-talented offense led by Lamar Jackson. Ravens Flock!