The Baltimore Ravens have had a disappointing 1-2 start to the 2024 NFL season, but that hasn’t significantly impacted Lamar Jackson’s status as one of the league’s top quarterbacks. According to Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon, who ranked quarterbacks after Week 3, Jackson placed third behind Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen in the “elites” category, even being labeled a “megastar.” This recognition is fitting for Jackson, a two-time MVP who won the award as recently as last season.
In the first three games of 2024, Jackson has thrown for 702 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, with a completion rate of 65.6 percent and a passer rating of 95.7. On the ground, he’s continued to impress, rushing for 254 yards and a touchdown, averaging a remarkable 7.3 yards per carry. His best performance so far came in the Ravens’ recent win over the Dallas Cowboys, where Jackson completed 12 of 15 passes for 182 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing 14 times for 87 yards and another score.
However, Jackson has faced ongoing criticism for his postseason struggles, as he has a 2-4 playoff record and six passing touchdowns offset by six interceptions, with a passer rating of 75.7 in those games. His most recent playoff outing, a loss in the AFC Championship Game to the Kansas City Chiefs, saw Jackson throw for 272 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
While the Ravens have often been criticized for not providing Jackson with strong wide receiver options, some of the critiques of his playoff performance are considered valid. Whether Jackson can overcome his playoff hurdles remains to be seen, but the Ravens will first need to secure a postseason spot in what has been a challenging start to the year.
