Lamar Jackson: Chasing Perfection and Seeking Playoff Success
In the midst of the Baltimore Ravens’ training camp, quarterback Lamar Jackson demonstrated his relentless pursuit of excellence. After a deflected pass, Jackson, a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player, immediately reacted by doing push-ups on the field. This gesture, according to his teammates and coaches, reflects his constant commitment to self-improvement. With the season about to begin, Jackson finds himself at the peak of his career, facing the pressure of translating his regular season success into an outstanding performance in the playoffs. Ravens quarterbacks coach Tee Martin highlights the urgency and purpose that drive Jackson, especially after tough postseason defeats. Last season, Jackson proved to be one of the most explosive players in the league, leading in yards per pass attempt and yards per carry. Tight end Mark Andrews jokes about Jackson’s constant improvement, suggesting that he still has a long way to go to reach his full potential.Analyzing the careers of other NFL MVPs, Jackson might just be getting started. His ability to reach new heights as a passer and his dedication to improving his game position him for a promising future. Jackson’s approach goes beyond just passing. At training camp, he actively communicates with his receivers, discussing both the successes and failures of each play. This vocal leadership, which includes conversations with the receivers coach and the offensive line coach, demonstrates his commitment to the development of the entire team. Jackson has conveyed his expectations to his teammates, and he feels comfortable with the team around him. With the loss of only one starter from the NFL’s No. 1 offense in 2024 and entering his third season in offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s system, Jackson is expected to improve his command at the line of scrimmage, which will benefit the Ravens. During a two-minute drill, Jackson demonstrated his versatility by running 75 yards for a touchdown, showcasing the speed and mobility that characterize him. Despite the narrative about the possible decrease in his speed, Jackson remains one of the most dangerous runners in the league. Qadry Ismail, former Ravens receiver, believes Jackson can maintain his speed if he avoids muscle mass gain and injuries. Jackson’s transition from a run-focused quarterback to one who prioritizes passing, along with his continued running ability, makes him a constant threat. On the first day of training camp, Jackson emphasized the importance of hard work to achieve the ultimate goal. Star running back Derrick Henry expressed that Jackson is tired of falling short in the playoffs. While Jackson has shined in the regular season, his performance in the playoffs has been inconsistent. Vinny Cerrato, former NFL general manager, points out that Jackson has yet to play a complete playoff game at his peak level. The biggest area of improvement for Jackson is the postseason. Of the quarterbacks with multiple MVP awards, Jackson is the only one with a losing record in the playoffs (3-5) and without a Super Bowl title. Jackson has expressed that he doesn’t want to think too much about the Super Bowl, acknowledging that the team hasn’t managed to finish in the playoffs. Although Jackson is not solely responsible, as his support team has made crucial mistakes at critical moments, all eyes are on him, and this year’s team could be the most complete in the Jackson era. The conversation about Jackson will change when, and not if, he wins a championship.Each year, he finds a new way to improve and improve. It’s almost as if the game has continuously slowed down for him.
Mark Andrews
