Lamar Jackson has had an exceptional 2024 season, proving yet again why he is one of the NFL's most dynamic quarterbacks. With impressive stats and performances, he is firmly placed in the conversation as a candidate for the coveted MVP award. Yet, not everyone sees him as the frontrunner. According to NFL legend Rex Ryan, Jackson might be lagging behind his Buffalo Bills counterpart, Josh Allen, when it counts the most.
The Baltimore Ravens selected Jackson during the 2018 NFL Draft amid plenty of skepticism. Many scouts questioned his passing abilities, and during his early years, he faced criticism for his development as a quarterback. Despite this, Jackson has come back swinging, combining enhanced passing metrics with his unmatched agility and speed, which allow him to excel as both a passer and runner.
Ryan, who serves as both former head coach and NFL analyst, did not hold back on his assessment. On ESPN, he stated, "It's Josh Allen and I don’t think it’s close…without Josh Allen, [the Bills] win 2 or 3 games. [Lamar] can still hand it to a Hall of Fame running back…Give me Josh Allen." This comment highlights the intense competition surrounding the MVP award, and how different perceptions of team dynamics often influence such discussions.
Though Ryan's comments may raise eyebrows among Ravens fans, many observers acknowledge Jackson's brilliant 2024 season statistics, which include 37 touchdown passes against just four interceptions, and significant rushing yards to boot. Indeed, his passer rating is over 120, and he has even registered two games with five touchdown passes. With numbers like these, one has to wonder why he is not being touted as the unequivocal favorite.
On the other side, Ravens coach John Harbaugh has reason to see Jackson's value; the offense runs efficiently, thanks to Jackson’s dual-threat capability. Jackson's evolution as both runner and passer is evident. Houston Texans' head coach DeMeco Ryans reflected on Jackson’s talent, emphasizing, "I think Lamar is playing some of the best football he’s played... He’s definitely the MVP in my mind just for what he’s doing not only in the run game, but also throwing the football. The accuracy, the decision-making... it’s going to be a really tough challenge for us this week.”
Notably, Jackson's performance becomes even more engaging with the backdrop of the Christmas Day showdown against the Texans. Jackson himself admitted his enthusiasm for the upcoming game, stating, "No, because I’m going to go out there and watch. I’m going to go out there and watch, first time seeing Beyoncé perform, and it’s at our game – that's dope. I’m going to go out and watch. Sorry (to coach John) Harbaugh, sorry. Sorry, fellas." Jackson's lighthearted comments about wanting to watch the iconic singer resonate with fans, though they also raise some eyebrows, considering the Ravens’ playoff aspirations.
The criticism concerning Jackson's focus should not go unnoticed. Shannon Sharpe, former NFL tight end and now analyst for ESPN, commented on Jackson's remarks, hoping he was joking when announcing his plans to enjoy the halftime show. He stated, "Hopefully, Lamar was just joking and saying tongue-in-cheek... Let’s stay focused; you’re very close to getting to where you need to be. Because at the end of the day, you want to be at the Super Bowl." Sharpe's words serve as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining focus during such pivotal moments of the season, especially for the Ravens, who are on the hunt for the AFC North title.
The Ravens dominated the Pittsburgh Steelers recently and now have their eyes firmly set on the Texans, with playoff seeding hanging heavily on their performance as they aim to secure the division title. A win on Christmas could open the door for the Ravens to seize first place, especially if the Steelers falter against the Chiefs. Jackson, who has already won MVP awards previously, could solidify his case if he continues to put up stellar performances, but his humorous desire to enjoy Beyoncé's performance during the game has some questioning his priorities.
With MVP discussions heating up, the final decision rests with the 50 sportswriters who will cast their votes after the season concludes. Regardless of Ryan's opinions or Sharpe's warnings, Jackson's statistics speak volumes, making it evident he is still in contention. If he can keep the momentum rolling with his impressive aerial and ground numbers, perhaps he has more to say about this year's MVP race than pundits may presume.
The 2024 NFL season has witnessed fierce competition for MVP, and whether Jackson can overcome it's currently unclear, but the undeniable excitement surrounding him and the Ravens adds to the allure of this year’s postseason. With every pass and every yard, Jackson continues to create his narrative, building on his legacy and enhancing his argument for yet another MVP accolade. Time will tell if those MVP voters will take notice, especially when faced with the formidable challenge of recognizing his true value as everyone preps for the game day extravaganza at NRG Stadium.
