It’s all about the expectations in the NFL! Last season, it was speculated that Lamar Jackson and his team, the Baltimore Ravens, would win the AFC Championship and eventually the Super Bowl with the kind of performance they were putting out. However, all those dreams were doomed, and the quarterback admitted, “I’m not frustrated at all. I’m angry about losing. We were a game away from the Super Bowl.” Ever since, undoubtedly, pressure has been looming over Jackson.

Although during the last season, Jackson won the 2023 NFL MVP award at the NFL Honors ceremony, there is still a significant responsibility on his shoulders when it comes to playoff performances. Even Mark Schlereth believes so, as he drew out a comparison of the Ravens QB with Aaron Rodgers, explaining his earlier comments as well.

Lamar Jackson is different from all!

In an episode of The Stinkin Truth Podcast with Mark Schlereth on July 1, 2024, co-host Mike Evans joined Schlereth to discuss their division breakdowns, as well as Lamar Jackson’s gameplay. Earlier Schlereth commented on the pressure Jackson faces, which sparked a lot of reactions on social media. The NFL player-turned-analyst stated that there is no player under more pressure in the NFL this year than Lamar Jackson, emphasizing Jackson’s exceptional talent and his two MVP titles.

However, he also pointed out, “I don’t know how you define pressure. But if you’re a two-time MVP and you pissed down your legs during the playoffs, I would say you’ve got some pressure.”

He continued, “In the playoffs, you’re two and four as a playoff quarterback, you’re completing 57% of your passes as a playoff quarterback, you’ve got six touchdowns that you’ve thrown and six interceptions. You want to talk about the definition of mediocrity when it comes to playoff football. Lamar Jackson is mediocre….you have been so good in the regular season you have so many expectations.”

Furthermore, Schlereth defended his stance by arguing that Jackson has been provided with first-round talents, including wide receivers and tight ends, contrary to the claim that he lacks weapons. The former football guard compared Jackson’s situation to Aaron Rodgers, who didn’t have first-round draft picks in those positions during his time with the Packers, yet still performed well. Hence, Schlereth stressed that Jackson needs to perform better in the playoffs.

Despite his critique, the 59-year-old expressed his admiration for the Ravens and their physical style of play. He clarified that his comments were not racially motivated but based on his high expectations for Jackson compared to other 2023 losing quarterbacks, due to his regular-season success. So, according to Schlereth, Jackson needs to prove himself in the postseason this coming 2024 regular season.

Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson has adopted some changes for the new year of the NFL just about a month away, looking to make things right from the get-go.

Can Lamar Jackson and his team avenge last season’s loss?

The Ravens don’t have to wait long to seek revenge on their last season’s AFC Championship opponents, the Chiefs, as they are facing off against each other in the Week 1 game this August. Although it’s not the same as beating them in the playoffs, it would be satisfying to gain confidence by spoiling the Chiefs’ celebration early on in the new season.

As for the present, the team and the quarterback are preparing hard for their invincible comeback. This is also evident from the fact that Lamar Jackson has lost a noticeable amount of weight this offseason. While attending his OTAs in May, he informed the reporters that he had reached a goal he had set for 2024.

The quarterback appeared leaner and thinner, reminiscent of his build during his first MVP session in 2019. Although he didn’t specify the exact weight loss, the 27-year-old mentioned he weighs “two-something [pounds]” and is feeling “great.” He is currently listed at 215 pounds on the Ravens’ website, down from his previous target weight of “just under 230 pounds.” The quarterback believes this weight will help him maintain his agility and valuable mobility when the pocket collapses.

Despite concerns about injury, Jackson remains confident, stating, “We sacrifice our body each and every game [and] practices. I believe it really doesn’t matter about the weight.” For him, what matters is the Super Bowl, that’s it!