This season, Lamar Jackson has officially taken the top spot on Chris Simms’ quarterback rankings, marking a significant shift for the NBC Sports analyst who has long been an advocate for the Ravens’ star. Simms made it clear that Jackson is currently operating at a level that sets him apart. “Nobody’s playing quarterback right now better than Lamar Jackson,” he stated. “He’s conquered something that I’ve only seen a few people conquer in my whole life with his skillset. Arguably the greatest running quarterback in the history of the game, he has become unreal in the pocket with making decisions throwing the football.”
In a close contest, Jackson managed to edge out Buffalo Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen for that coveted top position. While Simms acknowledged voting for Allen as MVP, his reasoning for ranking Jackson higher sheds light on the intricacies of quarterbacking in today’s NFL. “The Ravens were awesome. Jackson had a really good team. He had a better support system around him,” Simms explained. “He didn’t always have to make magic happen on a week-to-week basis like a Josh Allen did… so that’s why I gave Josh Allen the MVP. But that doesn’t mean Allen played as good a quarterback on a week-to-week basis. Lamar Jackson is out of this world. I mean out of this world.”
That phrase “out of this world” is particularly telling. Simms seems to be grappling with the weight of his MVP choice for the 2024 season. “He’s one of those where I go back and watch and I go, ‘I don’t know, did I make the right vote?’ I’m not sure,” he admitted. The numbers certainly support the notion that Jackson has been remarkable; with 41 touchdowns against just 4 interceptions, alongside 4,000 passing yards and a staggering 900 rushing yards, it’s easy to see why he’s captivated fans and analysts alike. “What do you want to say? It’s incredible. And it’s through all facets of how you could do it,” Simms noted.
This candid reflection reveals a deeper appreciation for Jackson’s ability to thrive both in the pocket and on the run. While Jackson’s supporting cast has undoubtedly elevated his performance, the magic he brings to the game cannot be overlooked. As Jackson continues to light up the field, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see whether he can maintain this level of play and further validate his position among the elite quarterbacks of the NFL.
