Lamar Jackson downplays Week 1 matchup against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs

Lamar Jackson has a career record of 1-4 against Patrick Mahomes. He's been the biggest roadblock in Jackson's career to date. Their most recent battle was last season's AFC Championship game when the Chiefs beat the Ravens 17-10. They'd go on to win the Super Bowl for the second straight season.

The reigning MVP moved the ball well but ultimately struggled with turnovers. Jackson lost a fumble and threw a costly interception late in the game, sealing the fate of the Ravens.

On Thursday, September 5, 2024, Lamar Jackson and his team will face the Chiefs in the season opener. There's high anticipation for this competitive game between two of the best teams in the league. For the Ravens, many fans and media describe this game as a "revenge game" of sorts.

Jackson isn't buying into the hype. At least he isn't doing so with the media. When asked about the matchup against the Chiefs, Jackson told the official Baltimore Ravens website that he's treating this game like any other.

"Any game I play in, I feel like it's a revenge game. I'm not just going to look at this game like a revenge game. Anybody we play, no matter if we've beaten them or lost to them in previous years, I just want to win."

- Lamar Jackson

Beating Kansas City to start the season would be one helluva statement. While it surely feels like a "revenge game" from the fan perspective, Jackson doesn't view this game as an opportunity to exact payback on the Chiefs. Jackson doesn't carry the notion the regular season doesn't hold weight. He understands you have to win to get into the playoffs.

And Jackson doesn't take making the playoffs for granted. The playoffs are on his mind 24/7, but he acknowledges the Ravens must approach each game with the same focus and care to inevitably reach the postseason.

Lamar Jackson focuses on Lamar and no one else

Jackson is laser-focused this season. He's heard the criticisms. He's been putting in the work. But when asked about his relationship with Mahomes and what he takes away from his game as it pertains to his own, Jackson put it bluntly.

"I don't take anything from him (Patrick Mahomes), I just play my game. But he's a great quarterback, I'm going to say that. He's a great quarterback, he has the accolades to prove it. He makes things happen on the field that make his team successful."

- Lamar Jackson

There's clearly no lack of confidence coming from Jackson. Some might read this quote and scoff at the notion, but it speaks volumes about who he is as a competitor. Why should Jackson try to be more like Mahomes? He doesn't play like him now, didn't previously, and won't in the future. And that makes sense. Lamar Jackson is NOT Patrick Mahomes and that's great. Lamar is Lamar.

There's only one Patrick Mahomes. Just like there's only one Tom Brady, one Peyton Manning, and so on. Jackson knows he's good enough to win the Super Bowl. He's consumed by the thought of leading the Ravens to a championship.

Jackson is still only 27-years-old. While the playoff success hasn't trailed the regular season successes, he's an incredibly dynamic and impressive player to watch. His time will come.

It's offseasons like these that really bring out the best or worst in players. The pressure will bring out the best this year. As long as he stays focused on doing what he does best, Jackson will put the Ravens in the best positions to win.

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