
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 17, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Dec 17, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports
Lamar Jackson has proved himself time and time again that he is a true MVP contender. A couple of days ago though, he mentioned that he enjoyed the “underdog” status that the Ravens have acquired. Safe to say that the Ravens are not the underdogs anymore and are at the top of the AFC after demolishing the Miami Dolphins.
Back in 2019, Jackson made some serious noise as far as his MVP candidacy was concerned. This year, his case just got even stronger, especially after pulverizing the San Francisco 49ers, the best team in the NFC. However, Nick Wright had some questions about his MVP, which also affects his probable Hall of Fame worthiness. Will Lamar Jackson be able to justify the fact that he’s being fast-tracked into the MVP conversation?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Nick Wright has his doubts about Lamar Jackson
Nick Wright mentioned how Lamar Jackson, despite appearing or winning a lot of playoff games, is considered in the MVP conversation and pointed out some interesting things about his career with the Ravens. The 26-year-old quarterback only has 1 playoff win, while his competitors have more, and this is what irked Nick Wright. His only qualm about the QB being in the MVP conversation comes from the fact that he’s played very few playoff games to be considered an MVP.
Wright was concerned whether Lamar Jackson would showcase the same zeal in the post-season games that he has shown up to this point. The other host asked Wright whether he was “penalizing” Jackson for becoming an MVP so early in his career. If he wins, Jackson will become the second-youngest two-time MVP winner.
Despite being ranked beside the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, and Brett Favre, some interesting things about Jackson might cause people to reconsider him as an MVP candidate. Nick Wright previously compared him with James Harden’s NBA poor playoff record. The host pointed out the signal caller’s playoff stats, something that challenged his candidacy. Even though Jackson doesn’t have a Super Bowl victory, he can become a ‘HOF-worthy player’ if he continues to play at the current pace for the next 5 years.
Also, there are questions about whether he will be able to perform the same in the postseason games. Not only Nick Wright but ESPN pundit Chris “Mad Dog” Russo also questioned his 1-3 record and ‘mediocre’ QB ratings, which will directly impact his reputation and expectations for the Ravens in the postseason.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Is Lamar Jackson really an MVP with these stats?
Throughout his playoff career, Jackson had a 55.9% completion rate and has averaged 225 yards per game with a passer rating of 68.3. Also, he averaged about 91.8 rushing yards per game and had a total of 4 touchdowns while giving away 7 turnovers. He has a 1-3 record in the playoff games and averages about 13 points per game.

USA Today via Reuters
Oct 29, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) reacts in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
These stats don’t exactly scream “MVP” by any means, but hopefully, he will be able to change that. But here’s the catch. Jackson is young in his career, but is driven by ‘survivability’. He hasn’t missed a single game this season. Now, it all depends on who makes the fewest mistakes in the remaining few months to finally clinch the MVP title.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Brock Purdy is the top favorite among bettors after the 49ers beat the Commanders. But again, he fell short before the ‘Lamarvellous’ effect last weekend. It may be true that Lamar Jackson will be judged by what he does post-season. It is also true that but it is also true that the league has never seen such an impactful, transformative performance in a single year since, perhaps, Joe Namath. What’s your take on Jackson winning his second MVP?
Watch this Story: Tom Brady Successor Finds an 8-Worded Reality Check As Bucs QB Baker Mayfield Finally Set To Prove if He Is Worth Legends Shoes
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT