NFL Exec Defends Lamar Jackson: 'Stigma as a Runner' Wasn't 'Fair' to Ravens QB

An executive from an NFC praised Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson for shedding the "stigma" that he was a running quarterback more so than an effective dropback passer.

"How he came in, with everything stuck to that stigma as a runner, that sticks with you as a pro until you prove them wrong," the exec said to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "That's not fair but that's the way it's been with him. There wasn't any doubt who the best player in the league was last year. So, it's long been time to put that to rest."

Jackson, who won his second MVP in 2023, came in fourth at his position in Fowler's annual rankings, and none of the coaches, scouts and team executives Fowler interviewed listed him lower than fifth. By contrast, he was No. 7 in 2023. At least one of the sources canvassed had him outside of the top 10 altogether.

The 27-year-old thrived with Todd Monken as the offensive coordinator. He threw for 3,678 yards and 24 touchdowns while posting his highest completion rate ever (67.2 percent). His 64.7 QBR ranked fourth at ESPN.com.

"He was better than the numbers say as a pocket passer," one AFC executive told Fowler. "Really efficient. May not have had crazy production but always made a lot of plays. Watching it, you feel the impact. Definitely more accurate."

There are still some questions surrounding Jackson, hence him being the fourth-best QB despite his MVP and All-Pro honors from last year.

He went 20-of-37 for 272 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the Ravens' AFC title game defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs. Baltimore's offense struggled to move the ball in the second half, and Jackson made a costly mistake when he threw into triple coverage with a throw into the end zone.

Being a franchise quarterback comes with plenty of perks. The downside to that label is that you're often judged disproportionately by your playoff results.

In the case of Jackson, his loudest skeptics will continue to poke holes in his game and overlook his improvement as a passer as long as the Ravens fall short of winning a Super Bowl with him at the helm.