Lamar Jackson is not new to strain. He is carried the Baltimore Ravenson his again since 2018, shocked defenses along with his legs, and earned two MVP trophies whereas doing it. However this offseason feels completely different.
The newest ESPN QB rankings have Jackson sitting behind Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow-a drop that stings when you think about his affect. And whereas the Ravens posted a stellar 13-4 document final 12 months and grabbed the AFC’s high seed, their Tremendous Bowl hopes had been extinguished by Mahomes and the Chiefs, once more.
Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen are warned by Lamar Jackson about what will occur subsequent season
For some gamers, that form of repeat heartbreak lingers. However contained in the Ravens’ facility, there is a rising sense that one thing has shifted. And a part of it comes from one thing easy, nearly overlooked-words from tight finish Isaiah Possible.
Isaiah Possible: “Do not Neglect Who We Are”
Talking to analyst Dan Orlovsky this summer time, Possible put it plainly: “We’ve to not neglect who we’re within the playoffs.” It wasn’t simply encouragement. It was a challenge-to Lamar, to the offense, to everybody who’s come shut however by no means closed.
Orlovsky, a former NFL quarterback, has been vocal about his perception in Jackson. “It must be Lamar,” he mentioned in a submit on X. “This roster is stacked. The offensive line is high three. The perimeter expertise is there. Lamar is coming off possibly his greatest season.”
He isn’t unsuitable. Statistically, Jackson continues to be a top-tier quarterback. Solely Mahomes and Allen have extra wins since he entered the league. And nobody touches his 6,173 dashing yards. However the playoff resume? That is the place critics draw the road. Mahomes has 17 postseason wins. Allen has 7. Jackson has 3.
Jackson’s response has been regular, not reactive. “I actually do not care what the critics say,”he instructed reporters. “I do know what I need to do.” He is coming off a wholesome season in a brand new system and led his workforce deep into January. Now, he is anticipated to go even additional.
The Ravens have made their intentions clear. They’ve added Derrick Henry, DeAndre Hopkins, and All-Professional nook Jaire Alexander. They stored Harbaugh locked in by 2028. There is no rebuild occurring here-just a calculated push towards a title.
Lamar skipped OTAs, shedding out on a $750K bonus, however Harbaugh did not bat a watch. “He performed implausible,”the coach mentioned. “I am not judging it.”
This season is not nearly silencing doubters. It is about proving one thing to themselves. And possibly that begins with Possible’s reminder-a little recommendation on the proper time that may make all of the distinction come January.
