Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is one of the most polarizing players in the NFL.
Opinions have always varied greatly on Jackson. Despite the fact that he’s won two MVP awards, his critics are quick to point out his horrible track record in the playoffs.
Ravens fans were hoping that after rewarding Jackson with the massive extension he was holding out for, he’d be able to take the next step and help Baltimore finally get over the hump in the playoffs.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case as Jackson and the Ravens fell apart at home against the eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
Speaking of the Chiefs, former New England Patriots star wide receiver Julian Edelman made it clear he’s done doubting Andy Reid’s team.
Now a FOX Sports NFL analyst, Edelman stated, “I’ve learned my lesson. I’m never betting against the Chiefs again. I lost a lot of money. It’s not up to the Chiefs. We all know what the Chiefs are. It’s up to everyone else.”
Edelman was referring to the other teams in the league needing to step up and knock the back-to-back champs off their throne.
“We need to see a [Bengals QB] Joe Burrow come out and do something, stay healthy, start fast,” Edelman said. “We need to see Lamar Jackson, who has been on a milk carton in the playoffs … He’s missing.”
Indeed, Jackson has struggled mightily in his postseason career. He holds a 2-4 record, passing for 1,324 yards, six touchdowns, six interceptions and a 75.7 passer rating.
Despite the ongoing criticism, the Ravens hope for a deeper playoff run this year. With a bolstered defense and the addition of veteran running back Derrick Henry, Baltimore might be better equipped to support Jackson in the postseason.
Looking ahead, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh remains optimistic about Jackson’s potential to turn things around.
“The vision that we have together is that Lamar Jackson is going to become and be known and be recognized as the greatest quarterback ever to play in the history of the National Football League,” Harbaugh said.
“That’s the vision. It’s going to happen by Lamar, his work ethic and his brilliant talent, by all of us pouring into that effort, together as a team, teamwork, and by the grace of God and God’s goodwill.
“That’s how it’s going to happen. And I believe it like we’ve already seen it.”
Jackson, for his part, has addressed the ongoing scrutiny over his dreadful playoff performances.
“I don’t even got to hear it,” he said. “I see it. But it is what it is. I don’t really care about what people say. I’m trying to win. Day in, day out, every time I’m on that field, I’m trying to play to the best of my ability.”
Baltimore fans are hoping Jackson will soon reach a point where he can win consistently in the postseason.
What are your thoughts on Edelman’s comments?
How do you think Jackson and the Ravens measure up against Patrick Mahomes and the two-time defending Super Bowl champs this season???