The Ravens Boast a Historically Great Quarterback in Lamar Jackson
The Baltimore Ravens have always been a team built on strong defensive play and a physical, ground-based offensive attack. However, in the 21st century, their fortunes changed dramatically with the arrival of one player: Lamar Jackson. Since taking over the starting quarterback role in 2018, Jackson has completely transformed the Ravens’ offense and has solidified his place as one of the most unique and historically great quarterbacks in NFL history. His combination of athleticism, arm strength, and football IQ has reshaped how we view the quarterback position, leading many to consider him one of the most dynamic playmakers the game has ever seen.
Lamar Jackson’s journey to NFL stardom is one of determination, resilience, and sheer talent. He was a late first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, a player whose skill set was often questioned by analysts, but who quickly proved those critics wrong. Now, after securing an MVP award and leading the Ravens to multiple playoff appearances, Jackson has firmly etched his name into NFL history. His impact on the game goes beyond his individual accolades—he has changed the way modern offenses operate, and his influence will likely be felt for decades to come.
In this article, we’ll explore why Lamar Jackson is a historically great quarterback, breaking down his career achievements, his unique playing style, and his place in the history of the NFL.
Lamar Jackson’s Unconventional Path to Stardom
Lamar Jackson’s story is far from typical for a first-round quarterback. Coming out of high school, Jackson was known for his dazzling speed and electric playmaking ability, earning a scholarship to play at the University of Louisville. During his time with the Cardinals, Jackson became a household name, winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 2016 and setting numerous records. His success in college was undeniable, but questions about his ability to translate his skills to the NFL, particularly as a passer, persisted.
Despite the skepticism surrounding his throwing ability, Jackson’s athleticism and vision as a runner made him one of the most feared dual-threat quarterbacks in college football history. His speed, agility, and playmaking were unmatched, leading to comparisons with some of the greatest mobile quarterbacks of all time, including Michael Vick. However, there were still concerns that Jackson wouldn’t be able to succeed in the NFL unless he could improve his accuracy and mechanics as a passer.
The Baltimore Ravens, led by head coach John Harbaugh, were the team willing to take a chance on Jackson. With the 32nd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Ravens selected Jackson, and the future of their franchise would never be the same.
Lamar Jackson’s Impact on the Ravens’ Offense
From the moment Lamar Jackson took over as the Ravens’ starting quarterback in mid-2018, the offense was completely revitalized. Jackson’s ability as a runner quickly became his calling card, as he broke records and rewrote the team’s offensive playbook. In just his first season as a starter, Jackson led the Ravens to the playoffs and changed the entire offensive philosophy of the franchise. Under Jackson’s leadership, the Ravens transformed from a run-heavy offense to one that could break down defenses in multiple ways.
One of the key aspects of Jackson’s game is his unique dual-threat ability. Unlike traditional pocket passers, Jackson is a legitimate threat to run the ball on every play. His speed, elusiveness, and vision as a runner make him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks on the ground. In 2019, Jackson led the NFL in rushing yards for a quarterback with 1,206 yards, breaking Michael Vick’s single-season record for rushing yards by a quarterback. Jackson’s ability to gain yardage with his legs forced defenses to adjust their strategies, creating space for his receivers and helping the Ravens’ offense thrive.
At the same time, Jackson continued to develop his skills as a passer. Though his mechanics and accuracy were initially questioned, he made significant strides in both areas. His deep ball improved dramatically, and he showcased his ability to make all the throws required of an NFL quarterback. His ability to throw with velocity and precision while on the move is one of his standout traits, and it makes him an even more dangerous weapon when defenses are forced to account for his legs.
In 2019, Jackson led the Ravens to a historic 14-2 regular-season record, capturing the NFL MVP award in the process. His performance that year—throwing for 3,127 yards, 36 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions, while also rushing for over 1,200 yards and 7 touchdowns—was nothing short of remarkable. He became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for over 3,000 yards and rush for over 1,000 yards in the same season, solidifying his status as one of the most unique and effective quarterbacks the league had ever seen.
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ Historic Rushing Attack
One of the most notable aspects of Lamar Jackson’s career has been the Ravens’ historic rushing attack. While the team has always been known for its physical, run-heavy offense, Jackson has taken the concept of rushing to new heights. In 2019, under Jackson’s leadership, the Ravens set an NFL record for team rushing yards in a season with 3,296 yards. Jackson’s ability to make plays with his legs has opened up running lanes for his backs, while his dynamic skill set has made the entire offense more unpredictable.
Jackson’s influence on the ground game has had a profound effect on how teams defend the Ravens. With Jackson’s ability to read defenses and make quick decisions, the Ravens’ offense has become one of the most difficult to stop. Opposing defenses must account for not only Jackson’s arm but also his legs, forcing them to play with discipline and make adjustments on the fly. His play-action ability, coupled with his speed, makes the Ravens’ rushing attack one of the most potent in the league.
Jackson’s style of play has also prompted a shift in how NFL teams approach the quarterback position. While the NFL has long been dominated by pocket passers, Jackson’s success has shown that a dual-threat quarterback can thrive at the highest level. His success has influenced a new generation of quarterbacks to embrace mobility and athleticism as core components of their games.
Lamar Jackson’s Historic MVP Season
In 2019, Lamar Jackson not only led the Ravens to the best regular-season record in the NFL but also became the youngest quarterback in history to win the NFL MVP award. Jackson’s historic season was one for the record books, as he became the first player in NFL history to throw for over 3,000 yards and rush for over 1,000 yards in the same season.
Jackson’s success in 2019 was a testament to his growth as both a passer and a runner. His ability to balance both aspects of the game made him nearly impossible to defend, and he had defenses scrambling to find a solution to his multidimensional skill set. His playmaking ability led the Ravens to dominate opponents all season, and he showcased a level of play that was rarely seen from a quarterback.
In addition to his individual accomplishments, Jackson’s MVP season helped elevate the entire Ravens organization. The team went from a franchise on the brink of rebuilding to a legitimate Super Bowl contender, and Jackson’s leadership and playmaking ability were central to that transformation. While the Ravens ultimately fell short in the playoffs that season, Jackson’s performance remains one of the most impressive individual campaigns in NFL history.
Lamar Jackson’s Legacy and Place in NFL History
As Lamar Jackson enters the next phase of his career, his place in NFL history is already secure. He has already redefined the quarterback position, challenging traditional notions of what it means to be a successful NFL quarterback. Jackson’s unique combination of passing ability, athleticism, and football IQ has set him apart from his peers, and his success has helped usher in a new era of dual-threat quarterbacks in the NFL.
Jackson is not only a dynamic playmaker but also a winner. He has already led the Ravens to multiple playoff appearances, and his leadership has helped elevate the franchise to new heights. While his postseason resume is still a work in progress, Jackson’s ability to win games and carry his team on his back is undeniable.
As he continues to grow and develop as a player, Jackson’s legacy will only continue to expand. He is poised to break more records, win more accolades, and potentially lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl title. Regardless of what the future holds, there is no denying that Lamar Jackson is one of the most historically great quarterbacks the NFL has ever seen.
Lamar Jackson’s impact on the NFL cannot be overstated. Since becoming the starting quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, he has revolutionized the game with his dual-threat ability and playmaking skills. His MVP season in 2019 solidified his place as one of the most unique and talented quarterbacks in league history, and his influence continues to be felt by future generations of quarterbacks.
Jackson’s ability to blend traditional quarterbacking skills with unmatched athleticism has redefined what it means to be a quarterback in the modern NFL. As he continues to evolve and lead the Ravens, there’s no telling just how far his legacy will go. But one thing is certain: Lamar Jackson has forever changed the game of football, and his place as one of the historically great quarterbacks in NFL history is secure.
