Former NFL GM: Lamar Jackson Will Have Best Season in 2023 'Without Question'
Now that quarterback Lamar Jackson has signed with the Baltimore Ravens long-term, the hype behind the 2019 NFL MVP is back in full-force.
Some of that hype comes from Jackson himself, who said he wants to throw for 6,000 yards with his new collection of receivers. On the other hand, NFL analysts are also excited to see what Jackson can do. Recently, former NFL general manager and current ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum said that he expects the Ravens' star to have his best season in 2023 "without question."
"This is by far his best group," Tannenbaum said on ESPN's Get Up! on Wednesday. "This is by far his best group. And even if Odell Beckham Jr. is a 'B', Zay Flowers is an emerging rookie, and Nelson Agholor is a dependable veteran, that is hugely better than it's ever been. And we're not even talking about Rashod Bateman if he comes back from injury."
Jackson topping his 2019 season would be very impressive. That year, he threw for 3,127 yards and 36 touchdowns while also rushing for another 1,206 yards and seven scores and winning the league's MVP award in a unanimous vote.
When comparing his cast of receivers between then and now, though, it looks more possible. Baltimore's two leading wideouts in 2019 were Marquise Brown and Willie Snead, who combined for less than 1,000 yards. With a much stronger receiver corps now and a tight end Mark Andrews still in the fold, Jackson could have a career year through the air.
"That's why Lamar Jackson has been an MVP — he has done more with less. Now he can do more with more, and look out. I don't think 6,000 yards is in the question, but I do think another MVP-type season is certainly viable."
Another piece of the equation is new Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Monken, who previously held the same position with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cleveland Browns, helped guide the Georgia Bulldogs to two straight national championships, and now gets to work with one of the most dynamic players in the NFL.
One thing's for sure, Ravens fans are looking forward to seeing Jackson and this new-look offense finally take the field.
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