The Baltimore Ravens have been on the cusp of greatness, consistently knocking at the door of a Super Bowl return. This season, however, they might just have a chance, largely thanks to the stellar performance of their superstar quarterback, Lamar Jackson.
Jackson, the reigning NFL MVP, is not only playing the best football of his career but might be rewriting the narrative of what a dual-threat quarterback can achieve.
That fact was recently highlighted by none other than Peyton Manning, who, through Kevin Clark of Omaha Productions, praised Jackson’s evolution.
“How does a two-time MVP raise his game? But he has,” Manning remarked, acknowledging Jackson’s exceptional season.
A significant part of Jackson’s improvement can be attributed to his cohesion with the Ravens’ new offensive coordinator, Todd Monken. Manning observed that Monken’s play-calling seems tailored to Jackson’s strengths, suggesting a deep understanding and trust between the quarterback and his coach.
This relationship has evidently propelled Jackson to new heights, particularly in his passing game, which has often been scrutinized in the past.
Jackson’s scrambling ability has always been his forte, leaving defenders in the dust. However, this season, his timing, accuracy, and arm strength have seen noticeable enhancements.
Under Monken’s guidance, Jackson looks more at ease in the pocket, effectively transforming him into a more complete quarterback who can dominate both with his legs and his arm.
Yet, as impressive as the regular season has been, the true test for Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens lies in the playoffs. They kick off their postseason journey against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the wild-card round, a matchup that could define the narrative around Jackson’s playoff prowess.
Historically, Jackson’s playoff performances have been underwhelming compared to his regular season success, with his record standing at 2-4. That statistic hangs over him in a big way, potentially hampering his legacy.
For Jackson and the Ravens, the playoffs are more than just another set of games; they’re an opportunity to silence critics and finally reach the promised land.
If Jackson can translate his regular-season success into postseason victories, he could not only dispel doubts about his ability to perform under the brightest lights but also lead Baltimore back to the Super Bowl, a place they haven’t been since their victory in 2012.
With Lamar Jackson at the helm, the Baltimore Ravens are not just contenders but potentially the team to beat in the AFC. His development under Monken, coupled with his already electrifying playstyle, paints a picture of a team that could very well be on the path to ending their Super Bowl drought.
But as always in the NFL, it’s not just about talent. It’s about execution when it matters most. The playoffs will be the stage where Jackson’s and the Ravens’ true colors will be shown, and for fans of the purple and black, there’s cautious optimism that this could be their year.
The Las Vegas Raiders are in the head coach, general manager and quarterback market this offseason. How they address those three openings could determine the future of the franchise. With the Raiders not picking until No. 6 of the first round of the ...
Maybe making the Pro Bowl is not a big deal unless making the meaningless all-star game would be a bonus that was written into a player's contract. If that is the case then it is a bit unfair. In some ...
The Denver Broncos are entering their first postseason since 2015, winners of five of their last seven games. Led by rookie Bo Nix, the Broncos face a daunting challenge against the Buffalo Bills. The Bills are the AFC’s No. 2 seed and are quarterbacked ...
Sometimes, hindsight isn’t just 20/20—it’s straight-up brutal. For general manager Joe Schoen and the New York Giants, the release of the NFL’s annual honors list has cast a harsh spotlight on the 2023 draft class, specifically, the third-round pick that once looked ...
The New York Jets are considering many different options to fill their vacant head coach and general manager opening. That apparently includes the guy who held the role for most of the 2024 season. ESPN NFL Insider Dan Graziano admitted that the Jets have cast a ...