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Longtime NFL security Bernard Pollard stirred the pot on Twitter earlier this week by claiming that Lamar Jackson is just not a top-10 quarterback — and the Ravens QB wouldn’t let it go. A debate originating from an ESPN survey that polled NFL decision-makers and gamers on the highest 10 gamers at each place raged on from Tuesday into Wednesday.
So let’s check out the numbers. Is Lamar a top-10 quarterback as he heads right into a contract season, and the way will his 2022 manufacturing have an effect on his potential extension with the Ravens?
Bernard Pollard wages Twitter battle with Lamar Jackson
Pollard, who performed for the Ravens and three different groups earlier than retiring in 2014, claimed that Jackson is a “top-10 expertise” however not a top-10 quarterback. He additionally stated Baltimore would have bother bringing in receivers whereas Jackson is beneath heart.
“No TOP Wr will ever come there whereas LJ is there,” Pollard tweeted. “Loads of WRs have been accessible to get within the offseason whereas LJ has been beginning, however no person desires to go. They offer him the respect, however they don’t wish to play with him. LJ is nice however he’s not capable of make the throws.”
The Ravens dealt Marquise Brown to the Cardinals through the draft after he requested a commerce. Jackson wasn’t happy with that transfer. Whereas Brown didn’t say he requested for a commerce due to Lamar, he admitted he requested to be dealt due to Baltimore’s offensive scheme … which is essentially tailor-made to Jackson’s strengths.
Is Lamar a top-10 QB?
Primarily based purely on 2021 outcomes, Jackson was not a top-10 quarterback. He missed 5 video games with damage/sickness and seemed worn down for a lot of the yr. Lamar threw a career-high 13 interceptions and posted a career-low 50.7 QBR.
Nevertheless it’s not truthful to easily take a look at final season when evaluating Lamar’s standing within the NFL. The Ravens weren’t simply probably the most injured crew within the league in 2021 — they misplaced extra video games to damage than any membership in Football Outsiders’ database. With well being questions on the ability positions and alongside the offensive line, Jackson was put in a tough place.
Nevertheless, if you take a look at the whole thing of Jackson’s profession with the Ravens, his manufacturing seems to be quite a bit higher. For one, the highs are definitely there.
QBR is a extra correct metric than passer score as a result of it features a quarterback’s contributions to the operating recreation. Lamar’s 83.0 QBR in 2019 was the best determine within the league since Aaron Rodgers’ 83.8 mark in 2011. Jackson additionally completed first in expected points added per play in 2019, so it’s no shock he walked away with the MVP award.
Lamar was the youngest participant in NFL historical past to win an MVP (and he’s nonetheless solely 25 years previous). However he did take a slight step again in 2020. His passing landing charge dropped by greater than two proportion factors, he ranked seventh with a 67.3 QBR, and he completed eleventh in EPA/play.
Jackson has been on a downward development since his MVP marketing campaign. Due to this fact, you’ll be able to see why Pollard and people polled by ESPN positioned the Ravens QB outdoors the highest 10. Nevertheless it’s not as if anybody is saying Lamar is the Twentieth-best passer within the league.
Rankings are enjoyable, however the extra correct strategy to assess NFL quarterbacks is to position them in tiers. Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, Josh Allen, Tom Brady, and Justin Herbert comprise Tier 1. Jackson in all probability joins Matthew Stafford, Joe Burrow, Dak Prescott, Deshaun Watson, and Russell Wilson in Tier 2.
2022 is a essential season for Jackson
Jackson, who acts as his personal agent, hasn’t proven any inclination to work out an extension with the Ravens. He’s set to play out the 2022 season on his $23.016 million fifth-year choice. If Baltimore can’t get Jackson to comply with a brand new contract by subsequent March, they’ll absolutely use the franchise tag to retain him.
The highest of the quarterback market has eclipsed $50 million per yr. Thus, Lamar in all probability doesn’t wish to ink a brand new contract coming off the worst season of his profession. The Ravens can level to his current development of manufacturing and say he’s not price that sort of cash. Maybe they hope Jackson will settle for one thing within the $40-$45 million vary.
That’s why the 2022 season is so essential for Lamar. If he can get nearer to his 2019 efficiency, the Ravens will provide him a clean verify subsequent offseason. If Jackson struggles or will get injured once more, he gained’t be able to interrupt the financial institution.
Having traded Brown, the Ravens are anticipated to return to their run-heavy methods subsequent yr. J.Ok. Dobbins and Gus Edwards ought to be wholesome after lacking all of 2021, and Baltimore improved their offensive line by drafting heart Tyler Linderbaum and signing proper sort out Morgan Moses.
That fashion of offense may enable Lamar to flourish as he has previously. But, it may additionally put him at additional danger of damage. The Ravens should weigh each consideration — together with Jackson’s ability set, well being, weapons, and contract standing — as they envision what their offense will seem like in 2022.
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