Following a difficult 2025 NFL season marred by injuries, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has faced intense criticism regarding his performance and overall value. Despite the team’s 8-9 record and missing the playoffs to the Pittsburgh Steelers, former Ravens wide receiver Marquise Brown publicly stood by Jackson, calling him his “biggest advocate” and insisting Jackson remains one of the best players in the league. Brown emphasized that Jackson’s struggles are more a reflection of circumstance than his own skills, highlighting ongoing debates about the “Lamar Jackson system” and whether the quarterback’s talent is artificially limited by the team’s approach.
Brown expressed his unwavering confidence in Jackson on social media through Bobby Trosset’s post on X, saying,
“I’m one of his biggest advocates, …I feel like he’s the best in the world. I always feel like that from before he even got to NFL. Yeah, they ain’t they’re not gonna change. He just got to win some Super Bowls I guess for people to start respecting it. But I mean, it never changed in our eyes and everybody’s eyes that’s from South Florida.”
Jackson’s Injury-Plagued Season and Performance Decline
The 2025 campaign was one of the toughest in Jackson’s career, marked by multiple injuries including hamstring, ankle, toe, and knee issues. The most consequential injury—a back problem sustained in Week 16—coincided with a pivotal playoff-deciding game for the AFC North, forcing Jackson to miss four games. His final statistics reflected the challenges: a disappointing 6-7 record, his lowest passing yards total (2,549) in three years, and only 21 touchdown passes. His rushing production also dropped to a career low with just 349 yards.
Despite overall setbacks, Jackson showed flashes of his former brilliance in the season finale against rival Pittsburgh. He threw for 238 yards and three touchdowns in a closely contested 26-24 loss, though a missed 44-yard field goal by kicker Tyler Loop ultimately decided the game. After the game, teammates rallied to defend Jackson’s continued importance to the franchise, underscoring that one tough season should not define his legacy.
Pro Bowl fullback Patrick Ricard voiced his support, stating,
“I think as long as we have Lamar Jackson, I feel like this team can win a Super Bowl. I guess the biggest thing is he makes this thing go.”
Marquise Brown Challenges Notion That Jackson Needs a Specific System
Marquise Brown’s defense of Lamar Jackson extended beyond praising his skills to confronting a persistent narrative from their years together in Baltimore. During his rookie and sophomore seasons (2019-2021), Brown often heard claims that Jackson’s success depended on the Ravens’ specific offensive system. Brown strongly disagreed with this characterization, asserting that Jackson transcends any system constraints.
“When I was there my first two years, people telling me, oh, this system was built for him. I hated that,”
Brown said.
“I hate hearing that because he is the system. He could play in any system…I just didn’t like hearing that…This is the system you built around his skillset? He has an unlimited skillset.”
The Ravens’ offensive schemes did evolve during Jackson’s tenure—from Greg Roman’s run-heavy approach to Todd Monken’s more pass-heavy strategy—yet Jackson continued to excel, securing his second MVP award in 2023 by throwing for a career-high 4,172 yards with 41 touchdowns. Brown’s point suggests that Jackson’s talent is adaptable and vastly underestimated when confined to a single offensive philosophy.
Criticism of Ravens’ Approach to Jackson’s Development
Brown also took aim at the Ravens’ handling of Jackson during his tenure. He suggested the organization sometimes labeled Jackson as “limited” instead of actively helping him grow his skills through additional practice sessions, offseason training activities (OTAs), or coaching support. According to Brown, the team had opportunities to improve Jackson’s weaknesses but failed to do so, effectively boxing him into a narrow concept of what the offense could be.
As Baltimore undergoes changes in leadership and continues to shape its future direction, many fans and analysts will watch closely to see how the franchise supports its two-time MVP going forward. Brown’s comments highlight a critical tension in the “Lamar Jackson system debate” that could affect both Jackson’s career trajectory and the Ravens’ success.
Growing Support Amid Continued Debates Over Jackson’s Role
Jackson’s production dip and injury issues have reignited debates within the NFL community about whether his talents have been underutilized or mismanaged. Ex-teammates like Brown and Ricard offer vocal support, asserting that the quarterback remains a rare talent capable of excelling regardless of the specifics of the team’s offensive scheme.
This debate is important not only for Jackson’s legacy but also for how the Ravens construct their offense moving forward. Balancing Jackson’s unique ability to run and pass will be crucial for maximizing his contribution and returning the Ravens to postseason contention. The coming offseason will likely bring discussions about coaching strategy, training focuses, and roster decisions aimed at providing a better supporting cast.
Ultimately, Jackson’s career and the Ravens’ future success seem intertwined with resolving the long-standing “system versus skill” challenge. How Baltimore responds to Brown’s critique and the wider league discourse could have significant implications in the 2026 season and beyond.
Marquise "Hollywood" Brown was really good today on Lamar Jackson:
"He can play in any system, too. That's another thing I fought hard for when I was there my first two years. People telling me, 'Oh this system was built for him.' I hated hearing that. Because he is the… https://t.co/xrjYwHrfER pic.twitter.com/98xCQZ2xtI
— Bobby Trosset (@bobbybaltim0re) February 6, 2026
