Lamar Jackson Loses Elite QB Status, Execs and Coaches Say
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson isn't a Tier 1 QB anymore, according to experts polled by The Athletic.
The Athletic's ranking of NFL starting quarterbacks has seen Lamar Jackson, a two-time MVP, fall to Tier 2 in the latest Quarterback Tiers. This drop is attributed to a decline in the skills that made him a threat, primarily his reduced running ability. Experts believe his 2023 season, where he rushed for fewer yards due to back and hamstring injuries, may indicate a shift in his workload.
A coach noted that Jackson is no longer able to outrun defenders with ease, suggesting he needs to be more active when running. While an offensive coordinator still rates Jackson as a Tier 1 QB, he admitted he is "not ready to give him a 2 yet." He believes Jackson can still be an elite quarterback without running but feels he won't be a 1 without it.
Jackson did manage to top Tier 2, just missing the top tier. Despite being a Tier 1 QB last season, he has never been an MVP in any of his seasons. Perhaps a renewed emphasis on his running ability could propel him back to higher rankings.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
