“I’m angry about losing,” Lamar Jackson said after the Ravens’ latest playoff defeat. This emotion echoes through the current debate surrounding Jackson’s postseason performance. Despite his impressive regular-season stats and two MVP awards, the Baltimore Ravens‘ 17-10 AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs has reignited criticism about Jackson’s ability to lead his team to a Super Bowl. As the conversation swirls, a former NFL player has suggested that Jackson might benefit from adopting some of Aaron Rodgers‘ strategies—not for on-field play, but for managing the relentless scrutiny.

On today’s episode of ‘SPEAK’, former Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones didn’t pull any punches. “Lamar Jackson is one of my favorite players, but at best, in the playoffs, he’s average,” Jones declared, dropping a truth bomb that sent shockwaves through Ravens nation. The ex-NFLer didn’t stop there, drawing a parallel between Jackson and the never-ending scrutiny that’s followed Aaron Rodgers like a shadow.

Jackson’s regular-season heroics are the stuff of legend. At just 27, he’s already snagged two MVP trophies, leaving defenders grasping at air and stat sheets in tatters. But come playoff time, the narrative shifts faster than one of Jackson’s signature jukes. His 2-4 postseason record sticks out like a sore thumb, especially after the Ravens’ recent stumble on the doorstep of the Super Bowl.

When confronted with this criticism, Jackson’s response has been as swift as his footwork, but perhaps not as nimble. “I really don’t care what the criticism is, what the critics say,” he told Adam Schein on ‘Mad Dog Sports Radio’. Jackson pointed to the team’s progress, reminding everyone they reached the AFC title game with a new offensive system, fresh off his injury-shortened 2022 season. “We’re getting closer, I’ll say that,” Jackson added, showing a glimmer of acknowledgment of the team’s journey.

But Jones argues that Jackson’s dismissive attitude might be the very thing holding him back from playoff glory. “He has to accept the criticism and go out here and make sure, ‘Hey, man, y’all think I can’t do this? Watch this,'” Jones insisted. He believes embracing the naysayers could be the secret sauce that propels Jackson to new heights, much like it has for other quarterbacks who’ve faced similar scrutiny.

Can Lamar Jackson learn from Rodgers’ journey?

The comparison to Aaron Rodgers is more fitting than a perfectly thrown spiral. Rodgers, despite his MVP-caliber play, has faced a barrage of criticism for his playoff performances. With just one Super Bowl victory to his name, detractors have long questioned his ability to win when it matters most.

Rodgers’ playoff heartbreaks read like a Greek tragedy. From the 2014 NFC Championship meltdown against the Seahawks to the 2020 home loss to Tom Brady‘s Buccaneers, each defeat has added fuel to the critical fire. As Sports Illustrated reported in January 2022, Rodgers has lost 10 playoff games in his stint with the Packers, with three coming in overtime, four in conference championships, and five on the final play. It’s a pattern of near-misses that has haunted Rodgers and given critics ample ammunition.

Colin Cowherd in March aimed at Rodgers, questioning his work ethic and commitment. “Aaron isn’t quite as committed as some of the young guys that are really bigger, stronger,” Cowherd claimed, suggesting Rodgers’ off-field interests might be hampering his on-field success. “I don’t think there’s a way to be (great) casually,” Cowherd added, implying that Rodgers’ approach might be holding him back.

For many years, Rodgers has been plagued with this type of criticism, but he has used it as a source of encouragement and has always posted excellent results even in his late thirties. Nevertheless, Jackson is still young enough to take advantage of Rodgers’s experience and possibly avoid the same mistakes that the Packers’ quarterback has made.

Former Lamar teammate DeSean Jackson on ‘SPEAK’ gave his thoughts about what may be running through the Ravens QB’s mind. “I think he holds the critics on himself,” said D-Jax. He then added, “I think he’s his biggest critic.” This self-motivation could be the answer to Jackson overcoming doubts from people and reaching the playoffs which he has so far failed to get.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Acho, another panelist on ‘SPEAK’, provided some sobering statistics to contextualize Jackson’s playoff struggles. “In the playoffs, he got six passing touchdowns, and he got six interceptions,” Acho pointed out. “He’s played in six games, correct? If you want to keep it a buck, Ayo, tell me about the rushing yards too, though, Ayo. Bet, I’ll do that. But then let me tell you about the fumbles as well because he got nine total touchdowns, and he got nine total turnovers.”

What’s certain is that the story isn’t complete for Lamar Jackson, from regular season superstar to playoff conqueror. It remains unknown whether he will embrace or ignore these criticisms, but in either case, the entire football world will be eagerly waiting for him at every snap during play-offs when they can either crown or crucify him. The ball’s in his court, if we may say so – or rather more accurately put, it is right there in his hands, ready to be thrown or carried into playoffs glory.