Lamar Jackson Leads Baltimore Ravens with MVP Play and Championship Aspirations

The Rise of Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens

In 2018, the Baltimore Ravens made a bold move by drafting Lamar Jackson with the 32nd overall pick in the NFL draft. At the time, the Ravens already had an established veteran quarterback in Joe Flacco. However, Jackson's athleticism and playmaking ability was too good for the Ravens to pass up.

Lamar Jackson's Breakout 2019 Season

Jackson began his rookie season as Flacco's backup. But after the Ravens struggled to a 4-5 start, coach John Harbaugh made the decision to switch to Jackson as the starter. What transpired over the next seven games was one of the most electrifying stretches of quarterback play in NFL history.

With Jackson as the starter, the Ravens went 6-1 to close out the 2018 regular season. Jackson dazzled with both his arm and his legs. He passed for 1,114 yards and 5 touchdowns while rushing for 556 yards and 4 scores. Thanks to Jackson's energizing play, the Ravens won the AFC North title.

Jackson Wins MVP in Historic 2019 Season

Jackson took the starting job and ran with it - literally - in 2019. He put up video game numbers en route to becoming just the second unanimous NFL MVP in history. Jackson set the single season rushing record for a QB with 1,206 yards. He also led the league with 36 touchdown passes while posting a 113.3 passer rating.

Behind their superstar QB, the Ravens finished with a franchise best 14-2 record. Their high-flying offense averaged a league-leading 33.2 points per game as Jackson showed off his big play ability week after week. Unfortunately, the Ravens title hopes ended prematurely with an upset loss in the divisional playoffs.

Jackson and Ravens Working to Take the Next Step

Despite the playoff disappointment, Jackson's first two seasons still exceeded all expectations. He has clearly established himself as one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the NFL.

Big Expectations for Jackson Moving Forward

Entering 2022 at just 25 years old, Jackson is just scratching the surface of his potential. His combination of speed, athleticism, and passing ability is truly rare for the QB position. As Jackson continues to develop as a passer, the possibilities seem endless.

After two seasons of individual success but ultimate team disappointment, expectations are sky high in Baltimore this season. Both Jackson and the Ravens know they still have more to prove.

Getting Over the Postseason Hump

For the Ravens to take the next step as a franchise, they must find more playoff success. The Ravens have consistently fielded strong regular season teams during Jackson's tenure. But they have yet to recapture the postseason magic that defined their 2012 Super Bowl run.

With Jackson entering year three as the starter, the pressure is on for him to show he can excel against playoff caliber defenses. His supporting offensive cast will also need to step up. The front office has worked to surround Jackson with more weapons, now they must produce when it matters most.

Jackson Poised to Lead Ravens on Another Playoff Push

Thanks to Jackson's immediately ascendance, the Ravens have firmly reestablished themselves as perennial Super Bowl contenders. While the 2021 season was a disappointment by their lofty standards, they appear primed to bounce back in 2022.

A healthy Jackson playing at the MVP level he has already shown is fully capable of carrying this team back to the postseason. With another year of development under his belt, he seems ready to unleash a truly special season. Get your popcorn ready, as Jackson prepares for a blockbuster third act in Baltimore.

FAQs

How many rushing yards did Lamar Jackson have in his MVP 2019 season?

In his 2019 MVP campaign, Lamar Jackson rushed for 1,206 yards which set the single-season record for rushing yards by a quarterback.

Has Lamar Jackson won a playoff game with the Ravens?

No, despite his regular season success, Lamar Jackson and the Ravens have yet to win a playoff game over the past two seasons. They lost in the Wild Card round in 2018 and the Divisional round in 2019.

What was the Ravens record in Lamar Jackson's first year as a starter?

In Lamar Jackson's first season as the Ravens' starter in 2018, the team went 10-6 overall. After Jackson took over as starter in Week 11, the Ravens went 6-1 to close out the regular season.

How old is Lamar Jackson?

As of the start of the 2022 season, Lamar Jackson is 25 years old. He has already accomplished so much early in his career at such a young age.