Lamar Jackson, drafted as the final first-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2018 NFL draft, has become a cornerstone of modern football. Known initially for his exceptional running ability, Jackson has evolved into a dynamic quarterback who defies traditional roles. His journey to becoming a two-time MVP began with his impressive college career at the University of Louisville, where he won the 2016 Heisman Trophy and amassed over 10,300 total yards and 96 touchdowns in his last two seasons.
In his early years with the Ravens, Jackson was often limited in his ability to pass. The coaching staff frequently called plays that emphasized his running skills. In his rookie season, Jackson completed only 58.2% of his passes, with just 170 passing attempts. Over 88% of his runs were designed plays, showcasing the team's reliance on his rushing talent. However, he quickly demonstrated his potential as a passer when he completed 85% of his passes for over 300 yards and five touchdowns in the 2019 season opener against the Miami Dolphins.
Jackson's transformation into a more balanced quarterback is evident in his statistics and accolades. With 6,713 career rushing yards, he holds the record for the most rushing yards by a quarterback. From 2018 to 2022, nearly three-fourths of his rushing attempts were designed runs—a testament to his early role as a running quarterback. However, this percentage has decreased to 61% over the past two seasons, reflecting a shift towards a more diverse offensive strategy.
The 2019 season was a turning point for Jackson. He not only led the league with an exceptional performance but also earned his first MVP award. Nearly 77% of his rushes during that season were designed run plays, underscoring his dual-threat capability. Since then, Jackson has focused on enhancing his passing accuracy. In the 2022 season, he achieved a completion rate of 66.7%, closely matching his career-high of 67.2% from the previous year.
Jackson's growth as a passer was further highlighted by his increased passing attempts in the 2022 season, the most in any season of his career. Despite facing intense pressure—being blitzed 33.5% of the time, the second-highest rate among quarterbacks who played at least 15 games—he maintained composure and accuracy.
His evolution has not gone unnoticed. An anonymous executive shared insights with Jeremy Fowler, noting the industry's mixed perceptions regarding Jackson's capabilities.
"There are a lot of people around the league that I speak to that are talking a little slick," – Anonymous executive (reported by Jeremy Fowler)
These comments reflect ongoing debates about Jackson's playing style and potential biases within the league. Vince Evans, a former NFL quarterback, speculated on these perceptions.
"I hope it’s not the Black quarterback syndrome," – Vince Evans
Such discussions highlight broader issues within professional sports regarding stereotypes and expectations placed on athletes based on race.
Jackson's performance challenges traditional views of what a quarterback should be. His ability to adapt and excel in both passing and rushing makes him an invaluable asset to the Ravens and a trailblazer for future quarterbacks. His journey from being primarily a running quarterback to one who can deliver precision passes under pressure exemplifies his dedication and work ethic.
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