Lamar Jackson has already cemented his place as one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in NFL history. The 2019 NFL MVP, who won the award again in 2021, has dazzled fans with his unique skill set, combining otherworldly athleticism, rocket-armed throws, and an innate ability to make plays when it matters most. However, despite his impressive resume and remarkable achievements, Jackson may currently be playing the best football of his life in 2024. And that’s a scary thought, not just for opposing defenses but for the entire NFL.
The Evolution of Lamar Jackson
When Jackson entered the league in 2018 as the 32nd overall pick, many doubted whether his unorthodox style of play—one focused on mobility and improvisation—could succeed at the NFL level. Fast forward to today, and Jackson has not only proven his critics wrong but has revolutionized the quarterback position in the process.
Jackson’s MVP campaign in 2019 saw him become the first unanimous MVP in NFL history, thanks to his unparalleled combination of speed, vision, and playmaking ability. He led the league in touchdown passes while rushing for over 1,200 yards, becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to lead the league in rushing. His 2019 season was a testament to his raw athleticism, as he single-handedly transformed the Ravens’ offense into a juggernaut.
But since then, Jackson has evolved as a passer, improving his mechanics, decision-making, and consistency. In 2021, Jackson was named MVP for the second time, with another stellar season that included a new level of proficiency in his passing game. His arm strength and ability to push the ball downfield became a critical aspect of his game. Yet, even with all the accolades, Jackson’s ceiling has always appeared higher than what his previous seasons suggested.
### The 2024 Season: Lamar’s Best Football Yet
So, what’s different about Lamar Jackson in 2024? To put it simply, he’s operating at an entirely new level. While Jackson’s natural talents are undeniable, what’s striking now is his overall maturity as a quarterback. He’s no longer simply relying on his athleticism to make plays; he’s blending his improvisational brilliance with a refined understanding of the game’s nuances.
Jackson’s passing has reached new heights. He is not only reading defenses with more precision but is also displaying a level of patience in the pocket that was previously lacking. His footwork has improved significantly, allowing him to navigate the pocket with greater efficiency while keeping his eyes downfield. As a result, he’s delivering the ball more accurately and with better timing than ever before.
In the 2024 season, Jackson’s deep ball accuracy is markedly better, and his ability to throw receivers open in tight windows has been on full display. His connection with receivers like Rashod Bateman, Odell Beckham Jr., and Zay Flowers has blossomed, and the Ravens’ passing attack has become a legitimate threat. Jackson’s chemistry with his receiving corps, combined with his growing trust in the pocket, has taken his playmaking to an entirely new level.
The Ravens’ High Ceiling
What makes Jackson’s current form so remarkable is the ceiling it creates for both him and the Baltimore Ravens as a whole. The Ravens have surrounded Jackson with a better supporting cast than ever before. New offensive coordinator Todd Monken has brought a more balanced and modern approach to the offense, blending Jackson’s unique strengths with a more expansive passing game. Monken’s system has provided Jackson with more opportunities to attack defenses from various angles, increasing the versatility of Baltimore’s offensive game plan.
In the backfield, Jackson is supported by a stable of running backs, including the emerging J.K. Dobbins and the veteran Gus Edwards. This balanced approach allows the Ravens to keep defenses off-balance, making Jackson even more dangerous both as a runner and a passer. His ability to scramble and extend plays continues to strike fear into opponents, but now, Jackson is even more dangerous from the pocket.
The Ravens’ defense, led by stalwarts like Marlon Humphrey and Roquan Smith, is as formidable as ever, providing Jackson with the support he needs to maintain control of games. This balance between offense and defense means that Jackson can take calculated risks, knowing that his defense will give him opportunities to recover when necessary.
The NFL’s Best Kept Secret?
If there’s one takeaway from Lamar Jackson’s 2024 season so far, it’s that he may still be underrated in some circles. Despite being a two-time MVP and leading one of the most consistent teams in the league, there are still whispers about whether Jackson can lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl victory. But the reality is, Jackson’s current form—and the ceiling it represents—has the potential to change that narrative once and for all.
Jackson has often been compared to some of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, but his unique style of play has made those comparisons difficult to quantify. Yet, the way he is playing now, blending his elite athleticism with pinpoint accuracy and an understanding of the game, positions him as one of the most dangerous players in the NFL—perhaps the most dangerous.
As the Ravens continue to build around Jackson, it’s clear that the team’s future is bright. The ceiling is high for both the quarterback and the franchise, and 2024 might just be the year Lamar Jackson takes that final step to immortality in the NFL—leading Baltimore to a Super Bowl and securing his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.
In the end, Jackson’s greatest attribute may not be his legs, his arm, or even his MVP awards; it may be the simple fact that, in 2024, he’s still getting better—and that’s a terrifying prospect for the rest of the league.
