For the second consecutive year the Baltimore Ravens finished the 2024 NFL regular season at the top of AFC North but they fell short in the postseason.
Once again, quarterback Lamar Jackson was among the top performers in his position but he is not beyond criticism. In fact, during a recent conversation with comedian Kevin Hart, the Ravens star was asked what element of the adaptation to the NFL had been the most difficult. His answer was an interesting one.
“Just being a leader,” Jackson explained. “I’m going to say being a leader.”
“I’m really not outspoken, being vocal with my guys, like ‘Let’s do this and that’ with a great motivational speech, I don’t have that,” he continued.
“I just pretty much lead by example. I’m going to go out there, I’m going to work hard and I expect that out of you, but as I’ve been growing in the league it’s like ‘Nah, you got to talk to the guys.’”
Since being drafted by the Ravens in 2018 Jackson has been one of the best quarterbacks in the league, twice winning the NFL Most Valuable Player award.
In 2024 he completed 316 of 474 passes (66.7%) for 4,172 yards, also throwing 41 touchdowns against just 4 interceptions. His passer rating sat at 119.6 and he added 915 rushing yards on 139 carries. He is a four-time Pro Bowl selection but is still yet to play in a Super Bowl.
At the age of 28 he still has time to take the next step and really prove his greatness but there is a sense that he needs to pull the team through to a Super Bowl. The Ravens have not appeared in a championship game since 2012when they beat the San Francisco 49ers to clinch Super Bowl XLVII.
It’s a big ask for Jackson but there is no doubt that he has the talent to lead the team to glory.
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