The Baltimore Ravens haven't exactly wowed anyone with their performance against the Kansas City Chiefs on opening night.
Coming into the season, Lamar Jackson needed 49 rushing yards to pass Russell Wilson as the third-highest rushing quarterback in NFL history. With 8 carries for 63 yards in the first half, he did exactly that.
What else did you expect from the most electric player in the NFL?
Lamar Jackson rushes past Russell Wilson for podium spot on the NFL's all-time quarterback rushing list
As the Ravens traveled to the Chiefs for the NFL's opening game on Thursday night, Jackson went to work and showcased his elusiveness as the rest of the offense went flat. The offensive line had a difficult time doing anything correctly, so Jackson took action and put the offense into his own hands.
The passing attack has been anemic and unreliable. After a promising start from Derrick Henry, the Ravens seemingly abandoned the 'King' for an erratic passing attack.
Jackson running out of the backfield has been the only redeeming quality the Ravens' offense has presented so far. His 63 yards in the first half not only led the team but placed him third all-time among quarterbacks in rushing yards.
He now stands among esteemed company on the podium.
LAMAR RUSHES INTO ELITE COMPANY 🔥
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 6, 2024
He’s now third all-time in rushing yards by a QB (5,321+), trailing only Cam Newton and Michael Vick 💨 pic.twitter.com/BNFAv2BamW
There are now only two quarterbacks ahead of Jackson: Michael Vick with 6,109 rushing yards and Cam Newton with 5,628 rushing yards. If the Ravens are going to win football games, number 8 will have to use his legs. His legs have earned him two MVPs.
Cam Newton's 5,631 rushing yards are not safe. Jackson has rushed for over 690 yards in every season of his career. It will be more when, not if, he passes Cam Newton for second place on the list.
Continuing with the momentum, Jackson’s prowess on the ground isn’t just a temporary highlight but a consistent thread in his career narrative. As he closes in on the records set by the likes of Vick and Newton, it becomes increasingly clear that Jackson is not only chasing history but redefining the role of a quarterback in modern football.
His remarkable ability to adapt and excel in high-pressure situations underscores his importance to the Ravens’ strategy and their hopes for a championship. With each game, Jackson’s runs aren’t just gaining yards—they’re cementing his legacy as one of the most dynamic and impactful quarterbacks the NFL has ever seen.
As the season progresses, the question isn’t just about how many records he’ll break, but how his unique skills will reshape the future of the quarterback position. For now, Lamar Jackson continues to dazzle fans and frustrate defenses, proving that his legs are as mighty as his arm in leading Baltimore’s charge.