Lamar Jackson enters the upcoming NFL season with few excuses left as the Baltimore Ravens have significantly upgraded their roster. Recently acquiring standout pass rusher Maxx Crosby, Baltimore’s defense now features a formidable trio alongside Kyle Hamilton and Roquan Smith, positioning the team as one of the league’s strongest defensively. Offensively, the Ravens boast top talent as well, with Zay Flowers ranking seventh in receiving yards last year and Derrick Henry securing the second spot in rushing yards. This roster clearly supports the idea that Jackson no longer has to carry a weak team by himself.
This confidence is reflected in betting odds; by early March, sportsbooks favored the Ravens to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl, underscoring the team’s perceived readiness. Despite this, it is crucial to remember that football remains unpredictable. Injuries, unlucky breaks, and controversial calls can derail even the most promising seasons. The quarterback can perform well and still fail to advance deep into the playoffs.
Unequal Treatment of Star Quarterbacks in Media Coverage
Nevertheless, Lamar Jackson’s performance and leadership continue to receive a level of protection in the media that is rarely extended to his peers. Following the Ravens’ previous season’s disappointing finish, voices like Ryan Clark and Cam Newton rushed to defend Jackson by emphasizing that football is a collective effort. While this truth holds, the contrast becomes apparent when comparing Jackson’s coverage to that of Josh Allen.
Clark and Newton’s commentary on Allen’s struggles painted him as a quarterback who has run out of excuses simply due to his position on the field. In contrast, Jackson was excused because football is a team sport. This inconsistent approach to similar playoff outcomes is not new. For instance, in the 2023 playoffs, Allen outperformed Jackson against the Chiefs’ defense, yet commentary from Clark, Bomani Jones, Stephen A. Smith, and others disproportionately favored Jackson, even while criticizing Allen.
Before the Super Bowl, Cam Jordan asserted that Jackson is more dependable in big games, despite Allen’s superior playoff stats: Allen holds an 8-6 postseason record with 4,682 yards, 36 touchdowns, six interceptions, and a 101.4 passer rating, while Jackson’s playoff record stands at 3-5 with 2,394 yards, 13 touchdowns, seven interceptions, and an 84.6 rating. Allen also holds a 2-0 record against Jackson in playoff matchups.
Expectations Rise with New Acquisitions, but Media Reactions Differ
The question now is how much pressure Lamar Jackson faces following the addition of Maxx Crosby. Had the Buffalo Bills made a similar acquisition, analysts would likely focus heavily on how it raises expectations for Josh Allen. Yet, conversations largely overlook the heightened pressure on Jackson. Dan Orlovsky stands out among analysts for openly acknowledging that Crosby’s arrival increases the burden on Jackson without engaging in the surrounding cultural narratives.
One reason for the disparity lies in the different organizational contexts. Baltimore is widely known as one of the NFL’s best-run franchises, consistently adding proven stars like Roquan Smith in 2022, Derrick Henry in 2024, and Crosby most recently. The Bills, by contrast, acquired DJ Moore for what appeared to be an overvalued trade involving a second-round pick. Coaching changes further highlight these disparities, with the Ravens hiring Jesse Minter and Buffalo promoting Joe Brady internally despite uncertainty about the front office.
Lamar Jackson’s Performance Against the Backdrop of Media Narratives
Despite benefiting from an affluent roster in Baltimore, Jackson’s on-field performance has not matched the elevated resources in the same way Allen’s has. The ongoing media defense of Jackson seems rooted less in football merit and more in entrenched social narratives. Before the 2018 draft, Jackson was cast as the “Face of the Black Quarterback,” a symbol battling systemic bias after Bill Polian suggested he switch positions to wide receiver.
Conversely, Allen has been portrayed as a “Great White Villain” due to a racial slur incident earlier in his life and ongoing comparisons with Jackson. These deeply ingrained roles have shaped public perception and coverage to an unusual degree, prompting even Jackson himself to express frustration about perceived media bias.
Dan there has never been excuses for Lamar though,
he said in response to Orlovsky’s commentary on Monday.
The Reality of Expectations and What Lies Ahead
Lamar Jackson has indisputably demonstrated his talent as a quarterback, and nothing about the upcoming season will significantly rewrite that perception. Recent champions like Jalen Hurts and Sam Darnold prove that success in football rarely hinges on a single player. Nonetheless, if discussions about “excuses” are going to persist this year, it is time to direct them at Jackson. The Ravens have provisioned him again with a lineup that should enable a legitimate Super Bowl run, leaving little room for excuses.
