Lamar Jackson’s Growth:

Destroyer of Doubt

By: Michael A. Chase Jr.

11/24/2021

         24-year-old Lamar Jackson is a player still evolving as a quarterback but has already established himself as on of the best talents at the position ever. At the same time Jackson still has his doubters, though he continues to improve and answer every question people have had of him to this point. Now it is only right to look at his career thus far and acknowledge the major growth as a quarterback Jackson has made. While addressing the major questions he has addressed along the way.

            First, we must quickly look at his rookie season as an NFL Quarterback. He took over a 4-5 Ravens in 2018 as a rookie and led them to 6 straight wins and a playoff berth. He passed for 1,201 yards, with 6 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. While rushing for 695 yards and 5 touchdowns. In the Ravens playoff game against the Chargers he did struggle leaving many fans and observers questioning if his playstyle was sustainable. As he went 14/29 for 194 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. Specifically having more turnovers (3) than completions (2) in the first half of the game.

            Jackson took all the offseason criticism and worked on his game immensely going into the 2019 season. In 2019 he took a leap not even his biggest supporters saw coming, but one that set historic marks. Jackson led the NFL in touchdown passes with 36 to just 6 interceptions, while accumulating 3,127 yards passing and completing 66.1 percent of his passes. He also rushed for 1,206 yards and 7 touchdowns, averaging 6.9 yards a carry. He even obtained a perfect passer rating in a game twice during the regular season. All these numbers helped the Ravens obtain the number one overall seed, along with becoming the first ever unanimous NFL MVP. The Ravens did end up losing their playoff game against the Titans that season. As Lamar turned the ball over multiple times and failed to convert multiple key 4th downs, despite accounting for over 500 yards of offense. Ultimately a disappointing end to this magical season, but again major growth in Lamar’s game was shown.

            The 2020 season some people considered a down season for Jackson. This line of thinking proved how great a standard Lamar had already set for himself. As in this, “down year”, he passed for 2,757 yards, 26 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, and completed 64.4 percent of his passes. He rushed for 1,000 yards for a second straight year as well, accumulating 1,005 yards and 7 touchdowns. If this is a down season for a QB I am sure any team will take this production on their roster. Plus, the Ravens were still 11-5 and more battle tested which paid off in the postseason. Lamar and the Ravens got their revenge against the Titans with a 20-13 playoff win, passing for 179 yards and running for 136 and a touchdown. The Ravens then went on to lose a defensive slugfest to Buffalo 10-3 in the next round. Lamar and the offense failed to score a touchdown and he ended leaving the game late due to injury. Thus, another rough ending to a good season, but again Lamar continued to show progression.

            Now in the current 2021 season Lamar looks the best he ever has as a quarterback. Having passed so far for 2,447 yards, 14 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, completing 64.4 percent of his passes, while having rushed for 639 yards and two touchdowns. Now the numbers may not look special compared to prior years, but by watching you can tell his understanding of the QB position has reached a high level. This year he’s shown great pocket awareness, spearheading the most aggressive passing attack the Ravens have had since he’s taken over. Averaging a career high yards per attempt at 7.9 and passing yards per game at 271.9. He has taken his game to the next level, which is why he still has this Ravens team despite the rash of injuries they’ve suffered atop the NFC North at 7-3.

            Overall, the evolution of Lamar Jackson is evident. For people who said he is a poor passer, his completion percentage has been no lower than 64.4 percent since his 7-game rookie campaign. For those that say he will get hurt because of his playing style, Jackson has missed just 3 of a possible 59 games he could have started. One was this past Sunday’s game due to illness and the other two due to rest before the postseason the previous two years. Then finally for those who still may say his style cannot win in the postseason. Well he won his first playoff game last year and has only improved as a passer since that point. Meaning if you take the time to sit and watch his next start for Baltimore you will see a QB far different from when he entered the league. A player who has destroyed every narrative thrown his way and will continue to do so. Because his evolution as a QB is still not finished, which for the rest of the league should be terrifying.