How Can Ravens QB Lamar Jackson Elevate to Super Bowl Like Patrick Mahomes?
In many people's eyes, Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson is the second-best quarterback in the NFL behind only Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, but has the MVP favorite gotten too much credit?
With Mahomes set to play in his fourth Super Bowl, it’s time to look honestly at how Jackson has performed in the playoffs up to this point in his career.
What must Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson do to
David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
There’s no denying that Jackson is one of the most talented players in the league, but the former MVP came up short yet again this season and looked bad while doing so against Mahomes in the AFC Conference finals. Against the Chiefs, Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken abandoned the run game, stripping Jackson of his most unstoppable skill.
Jackson was forced to drop back and try to carry the team with his arm, so he came up short. Jackson is going 20 for 37 as a passer. Although hampered by poor playcalling, he didn't elevate in the biggest moments and instead found himself holding the ball as the pocket continued to collapse, which led to him being sacked four times and losing a fumble.
After signing a massive extension for five years and $260 million in the offseason, Jackson had by far the best regular season of his NFL career as a passer, throwing for 3,678 yards with a 67.2 completion percentage.
However, until he can be relied upon to not only match his regular-season success in the playoffs but elevate his game and process things as a passer while embracing his mobility, he'll continue to fall short of Mahomes when it matters most.
