The Baltimore Ravens clinched the top seed in the AFC playoffs after a massive win, 56-19, over the Miami Dolphins on Saturday. However, the real debate starts now for quarterback Lamar Jackson and his team, the MVP and Super Bowl race. Jackson was considered the second favorite after Brock Purdy for the MVP, especially comparing their stats like touchdown passes, which is a seven-point difference. But now he has topped the list. And many fans, including LeBron James, have already declared Jackson the winner of MVP this season. James requested the league to give the trophy to the Ravens’ QB.

However, some have doubts about Jackson’s chances to become the MVP. Among them, one is NFL analyst Nick Wright. Wright recently pointed out that despite his success in the regular season, he has only won one playoff game in 2021 against the Titans and just one MVP trophy in 2019. And this is the fear of many, as the history of the Ravens’ playoffs is a major cause of concern.

Where are the gaps?

Lamar Jackson has faced challenges in the playoffs with a 1-3 record. He must deliver exceptional performances during the postseason to solidify his position among the greatest of all time. Despite being a top MVP contender this season, questions linger about how he will fare in the playoffs. His stats reveal seven interceptions, 11 fumbles, and just five rushing touchdowns. While his yardage has increased (3,678), his touchdown count is lower than in previous seasons. For example, in his MVP season in 2019, he had 36 touchdowns, the highest of his NFL career in a season, for 3,127 yards and six INTs.

Jackson’s injury history also raises concerns. Despite not missing a game this season, a past hip-drop tackle has sparked worries about his health. Every NFL quarterback who has won 2 MVPs is a Hall of Fame inductee. Lamar Jackson has already won an MVP award and is currently the favorite to win it again this season. As a result, he needs to win the Super Bowl to cement his legacy. If the Ravens fail to win the Super Bowl or perform poorly in the playoffs, it may lead to doubts about his abilities and caliber. Furthermore, some analysts are comparing him to NBA star James Harden, and it’s not intended as a compliment.

The comparison was discussed on the “Chris Simms Unbuttoned Podcast,” as NFL analysts drew parallels between their regular season successes and postseason struggles. Harden, too, couldn’t perform what he was expected of in the postseason. Analysts suggest that for Jackson to excel in the playoffs, his game as a pocket passer needs to evolve. He must also address potential challenges against more robust defenses, such as the Cleveland Browns (266.6 defense yards average). The success of the Ravens’ offensive strategy, particularly their use of heavy formations with tight ends, played a significant role last season. It led to high third-down conversion rates and effective clock management. NFL analyst Nick Wright was concerned about whether Lamar Jackson would perform as well in postseason games as in the regular season. Wright highlighted Jackson’s playoff stats, which raised doubts about his MVP candidacy.

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ESPN pundit Chris Russo also questioned Jackson’s playoff record and what he deemed “mediocre” quarterback ratings. These concerns from analysts Wright & Russo could directly impact the expectations for the Ravens in the postseason. If he wants his name in all-time greats, he has to overcome postseason woes. Last time, in 2020, he led the Ravens to a first-round bye when they lost to the Titans. His only career playoff win came against Tennessee in the 2021 AFC wild-card game. Then he missed the Ravens’ 2022 AFC wild-card loss to the Bengals due to a knee injury. And now this is the fourth time he has led his Ravens to reach the playoffs again. So even if he wins MVP now, he will be judged mainly by his postseason performance. Jackson’s postseason performance remains a key factor in determining his legacy and how he will be remembered in NFL history.

How is the road ahead for Lamar Jackson?

Lamar Jackson is a contender for his second league MVP title, but he realizes that his performance in the playoffs will be the ultimate measure of his achievements. ESPN’s Chris Russo thinks Jackson should show his abilities in the postseason to gain complete recognition, even if he wins the MVP. However, another analyst, Marcus Spears, disagrees. He pointed out that Jackson’s team is more potent, with a better defense and improved offensive weapons such as Odell Beckham Jr., Zay Flowers, and Nelson Agholor. Spears believes Jackson — in his sixth season and thriving in a new offensive scheme — is playing at his best. This new scheme, three-wide receiver formations, was created under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken. It helps Lamar experience more pass-friendly options during the game.

Apart from it, Jackson’s MVP competitors, Josh Allen, Christian McCaffrey, and Brock Purdy, are also in the limelight. However, their candidacy has been seen as weaker after their recent subpar performance. Despite leading in touchdowns (27), Allen’s turnover in the game on Sunday negatively affected his MVP chances. McCaffrey is going to be a rushing champion (1,463 yards). However, his MVP chances seem weaker than Jackson’s, especially after losing to the Ravens’ QB in Week 16. Similarly, after looking weaker in front of Jackson in the Week 16 game and losing against such an elite team, Purdy’s rank declined to No. 2.

All in all, the one who screws up the least takes it home, and Lamar Jackson seemingly has a vice grip. If he wins, he’ll become the second youngest QB with 2 MVP titles.

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