Lamar Jackson: From Rookie to MVP

When the Baltimore Ravens selected Lamar Jackson with the 32nd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, there was plenty of debate about his position. Some believed he was a running back, while others thought he was more suited to be a wide receiver. However, the Ravens coaching staff saw something special in Jackson and believed he could be a franchise quarterback.

As a rookie, Jackson initially sat behind Joe Flacco on the depth chart. But as the Ravens entered their bye week at 4-5, head coach John Harbaugh made the decision to bench Flacco and start Jackson.

Jackson’s impact on the Ravens’ offense was immediate. In his seven starts, the Ravens averaged 5.1 yards per carry and 229.6 rushing yards per game, up from 3.6 and 92.7, respectively, in the first seven games of the season. Jackson also led the Ravens to a 6-1 record in his starts, helping them clinch the AFC North title.

In 2019, Jackson took his game to another level. He led the Ravens to a 14-2 record and the No. 1 seed in the AFC. He also became the first player in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards and pass for over 3,000 yards in a single season.

Jackson’s performance in 2019 earned him the NFL MVP award. He is the youngest player to ever win the award and the first Raven to win it.

Jackson is a unique talent who has changed the way the quarterback position is played. He is a dynamic runner who can also throw the ball effectively. He is a threat to score every time he touches the ball.

Jackson is still just 24 years old and has already accomplished so much in his career. He is a rising star who has the potential to be one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history.

Jackson’s impact on the Ravens

Jackson has had a profound impact on the Ravens. In his two seasons as the starting quarterback, the Ravens have gone 20-6 and won two AFC North titles. Jackson has also led the Ravens to the playoffs in both of his seasons as the starter.

Jackson’s impact on the Ravens’ offense has been particularly significant. The Ravens have averaged 5.0 yards per carry and 209.7 rushing yards per game since Jackson became the starting quarterback. Those numbers are up from 3.8 yards per carry and 120.9 rushing yards per game in the two seasons before Jackson became the starter.

Jackson has also improved the Ravens’ passing game. The Ravens have averaged 7.5 yards per pass attempt and 240.3 passing yards per game since Jackson became the starting quarterback. Those numbers are up from 6.7 yards per pass attempt and 215.2 passing yards per game in the two seasons before Jackson became the starter.

Jackson has made the Ravens a more dynamic and dangerous offense. He is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. The Ravens are a legitimate Super Bowl contender with Jackson as their quarterback.

Jackson’s future

Jackson is still just 24 years old and has already accomplished so much in his career. He is a rising star who has the potential to be one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history.

Jackson has a lot of talent, but he also has a lot of room to grow. He needs to improve his accuracy and decision-making. He also needs to learn how to stay healthy. If he can do those things, he has the potential to be a truly special player.

The Ravens are fortunate to have Jackson as their quarterback. He is a young, talented player who has the potential to lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl title.