Be a Receiver, They Said

I think we got a tight MVP race in the NFL and it's coming from second year guy.

Not enough can be said regarding Lamar Jackson's phenomenal play this year. The Baltimore Ravens are enjoying one of their best years in a long time and last year's first round pick is the quarterback that is lighting up the field. The running game is through the roof and being led by him followed by veteran back Mark Ingram. Both have combined for over 1500 yards rushing and 15 rushing touchdowns. Gus Edwards even has over 400 yards. You never know who is going to get it.

But the improvement in throwing the ball has been a highlight for Jackson. And some thought he would be better as a wide receiver. The numbers speak for itself. Leading the league at the time of this blog with 24 passing touchdowns and just over 2400 yards. Completing two thirds of his passes helps because the defenses have to be honest and figure out Baltimore's power. Plus, he hasn't turned the ball much. Only five picks and five fumbles. There is still room to keep improving, but you are looking at a potential Super Bowl winner.

Baltimore is back in good form and the defense's mix of young and veterans keep themselves in the game. Only their opponents can figure out the codes to make them vulnerable.

A New Raven Soaring

With another win today against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Baltimore Ravens have put a ton of pressure on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Announcements have been made about the benching of their 11 year veteran quarterback Joe Flacco in favor of rookie Lamar Jackson. The proof is in the pudding right now, and the Ravens have become a big threat to the AFC.

As far as throwing the ball, Jackson is okay. It's not wowing by any means, but he does enough to get by. His totals after today's game are just over 800 yards passing, five touchdowns and three picks. The one thing that is a huge help is the ground game. Baltimore has rushed for over 200 in four of the last five, putting them in the top three in total rushing yards. Jackson has made it to almost 600 yards by just running. Combined with the defense playing strong despite the eight and six record, they could be in the running for a division title.

Quite frankly, I think Flacco was playing on borrowed time. Since the 2012 season that ended with a Super Bowl title, the Ravens haven't been the same. Defensively, they've changed a bit. The run game has been inconsistent. Flacco's ability as a quarterback has either been okay or bad or he has been missing time due to injury. He didn't live up to his big contract. What's funny is that they went through a number of quarterbacks prior to his arrival in 2008.

Whether Jackson lives up to the potential is a tale only he can tell. Baltimore may either have their future or he can crash and burn. I want to see the former out of him.