Way-too-early 2021 NFL Power Rankings: Rams, Packers, Chiefs chasing Buccaneers

Lamar Jackson got a big monkey off his back this season. The Baltimore Ravens quarterback has been phenomenal since taking over for Joe Flacco in 2018 — winning six of seven starts that season. Then in 2019, he led Baltimore to a 13-2 mark and won the NFL MVP. He continued to win in year three, leading them to another postseason berth and a record of 11-4 as the starter.

However, there was a “yeah, but” whenever discussing his record. Despite him being in the NFL for a short time, he was already being criticized for losing in the playoffs in his first two campaigns. This season, he finally stopped that narrative as Baltimore knocked off Tennessee 20-13 in the Wild Card Round. They did lose 17-3 to the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round of the playoffs but the fact they did get a win should silence the critics — for now.

The truth is, this is a solid team. Baltimore continues to play well on defense and their ground game is one of the best in the NFL. There’s room to grow for sure, especially in the passing game as they need to be more consistent out wide, but they’re still young and talented. This is one of the better teams in the NFL and if they can get better at receiver, they could be in the mix for the Super Bowl soon.