Lamar Jackson has always played with fire. His rise in the NFL hasn’t just been fast – it’s been electric. Right now, he might just be the best dual-threat quarterback in the league. And here’s the scary part: he’s still improving. But remember early in his career? Critics kept saying he should switch to wide receiver. They did not believe he could be a long-term quarterback. But over the last three seasons, Jackson has sharpened every tool. His throws are crisper, his reads are smarter, and his speed? Still elite. If he wins another MVP this season, he’ll join a rare club of players to have three or more MVPs in NFL history. But this year, he’s gunning for more.
Drafted 32nd overall in 2018, Jackson has played 94 games and become the face of the offense for the Baltimore Ravens. Even without a Super Bowl appearance yet, Jackson has full support from Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. In a recent interview with ESPN’s Kevin Clark, Harbaugh praised not just the player but the man behind the helmet. “There’s so many things,” Harbaugh said. “But Lamar as a person is what I appreciate most… He’s a historically good passer. He can make every throw in every way. The numbers are proving that now.” Isn’t that wild? A guy who was once told he couldn’t throw now has his coach calling him one of the best passers ever. You’d think the doubters would finally go quiet. But they haven’t. And now, Lamar has had enough.
Many people have criticized Lamar Jackson for his quarterback style. They don’t like how often he runs instead of staying in the pocket. As such, they have also put him down in the QB rankings after the Ravens failed to make it into the Super Bowl last year. But to Jackson, it has not been a headache. “I really don’t care what the criticism is, what the critics say”, he had said just last year, “We criticize ourselves more than anyone else, so what people say on the outside, that’s just their take. They can believe what they want to believe but we know what we want.” However, it looks like Jackson might’ve finally grown tired of the constant criticism as the he just took to social media recently and did not hold back.
SPORTS-FBN-RAVENS-JACKSON-BZ Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson speaks to the media during practice on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Owings Mills, Maryland. Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun/TNS Owings Mills MD United States EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xCopyrightx x2024,xBaltimorexSunxCo.xxAllxrightsxreserved.x 124529123W KarlxMertonxFerronx krtphotoslive946306
In one of his latest Instagram stories, Lamar Jackson (@new_era8) used a screenshot from The Boondocks featuring the character Uncle Ruckus angrily pointing his finger. It is interesting to note that Ruckus has been a figure often associated with ignorance and self-hatred in the show. But there’s more to it. Over the image, Lamar wrote, “It be a lot of these type of people in the world imma tell ya straight like this – Tread lightly when you speak to or about me ”. The message was sharp, intentional, and clearly directed at those who’ve been speaking out of turn about him.
That wasn’t just a meme and Jackson was clearly not just venting. He was drawing a line. The use of the anime character added humor and edge, but the message underneath was dead serious: “Watch how you talk about me.” Lamar Jackson was making it clear: if you’re going to talk about him, you better show some respect. He’s not staying quiet anymore. Why does Lamar still have to fight this hard for respect? That’s the real question. The story of Lamar Jackson isn’t just about stats, though they’re impressive.
In his rookie season, Lamar Jackson posted career-highs: 4,172 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, just six interceptions. He led the league in yards per attempt, touchdown rate, and had a 119.6 passer rating. What more did people want? At this point, the only thing left to do is apologize for ever doubting him as even John Harbaugh continues to back him. The head coach has compared Jackson’s growth to a pianist who keeps practicing until every note is perfect. Still, the criticism continues, especially after Jackson’s rocky training camp performance. So, is this just an overreaction? Or is something actually off?
Will Lamar Jackson’s performance at camp define his season?
Lately, reports out of the Ravens camp haven’t been great. On July 30, Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense had a rough day. Five false starts. A bad shotgun snap. Red-zone failures. In fact, the Ravens failed to score on six of their last eight red-zone drives. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken tried to keep things calm. “You’re seeing guys press a bit… but Lamar’s locked in,” he said. But how locked in can he be when key players are missing?
Isaiah Likely has just been declared to be out 4–6 weeks with a foot injury. Zay Flowers has been nursing an ankle issue. These setbacks have limited Jackson’s chemistry with the offense and slowed them down. But recently, even the highlights sparked debate. Turns out Jackson broke loose for a 75-yard touchdown run in camp. But people started asking – would he have scored if defenders were allowed to hit him? But the head coach, seemingly used to the doubts and questions, already had answers. “We do protect Lamar,” John Harbaugh said, “But I wanted them to get a little closer, at least make it legitimate that he thinks you had a chance to get him.”
Moreover, as of now, the Ravens defense is ahead. The offense is behind. The season is closing in, and all eyes are on Lamar Jackson to pull it all together. Can he build chemistry with his receivers before Week 1? It might just be early rust and the QB can still return to his MVP form. His social media post sent one clear message: Don’t mistake silence for weakness. He’s not here to be doubted. He’s here to win. And if Lamar Jackson hoists the Lombardi Trophy this season? That’ll be the loudest response he might ever give.
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