2021 NFL Quarterback Power Rankings: How far ahead is Patrick Mahomes?
By Randy Gurzi
8. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
It’s not cut and dry when trying to rank Lamar Jackson among other quarterbacks. If we were just talking about his ability to throw the ball, there’s no denying that he’s not in the top-10. That’s not to say he’s awful by any means but he’s simply not a pocket-passer.
This was evident by his low yardage in 2020 of just 2,757 yards through the air. However, he still is incredibly efficient, having 26 touchdowns against only nine picks last season with a career mark of 68 touchdowns and just 18 interceptions.
Still, the reason he gets ranked in the top-10 is what he brings to the table overall, and that includes his incredible running ability. In three seasons, Jackson has 2,906 yards on the ground with 19 touchdowns — and he has topped the 1,000-yard mark on the ground in each of the past two seasons.
That includes his 2019 MVP campaign which was remarkable considering it was his first full season as a starter. Going forward, the Ravens are trying to arm Jackson with more weapons in the passing game which could help him.
They’re also trying to utilize him more under center rather than in the pistol, which is where he has been playing. That might not be as great of an idea because anytime a team tweaks with a “running quarterback” things tend to go wrong. Jackson is dangerous because he’s so unique, trying to make him like everyone else seems to be counterproductive.