OWINGS MILLS (Md. Football fans are still trying to decide what to call Lamar Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens' incredible return in Monday night's 31-25 overtime win against the Indianapolis Colts.
Many compared it to a Tom Brady-like performance, in terms of precision and poise. Because of the way he took control of the game, Jackson has been compared to Michael (not Vick).
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Jim Irsay, Colts owner believes Jacksons game should stand alone. He tweeted: "Lamar Jacksons performance might have been the single most important performance in the NFLs 100-year history.
Jackson was able to answer questions that had been hanging over him for four years. Jackson carried the Ravens with one arm and threw for 442 yards, a record. He was a master of accuracy and completed 86% of his throws, an NFL record for a 40 pass game. He made a remarkable comeback and rallied Baltimore from 19 down in the second quarter.
Magical -- That's how I can describe it, Ravens nose tackle Brandon Williams stated.
Jackson will perform an encore performance against the Chargers on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, CBS Here's a look at the impact of Jackson's historic performance on the future narrative:
Lamar Jackson is the only player in the past 20 seasons who has been ranked among the top 10 in passing and rushing during his team's five first games. AP Photo/David Zalubowski
Is Jackson finally able to silence the critics?
Stat: Jackson is the only quarterback to rank in the top 10 for both passing and rushing in his team's first five games. Jackson is ranked No. Jackson ranks No. 5 in passing and No. 8 in rushing. 8 in rushing. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Randall Cunningham (1990), is the only quarterback who finishes a season among the top 10 in both passing and rushing.
Jackson was a victim of criticism early in his career. Jackson's not bad for running back response after he threw five touchdown passes during the Miami season opener.
Jackson seems to have ended the debate about whether he is a good passer in the NFL.
Jackson stated this week, "I don't know if they're going to stop talking." "But all that I know is that my focus is on winning and, as I have said, [to] continue getting better. I don't care about what they are saying.
"This league is full superstars, but he's definitely at the top." Chargers head coach Brandon Staley
on Lamar Jackson
Jackson is correct that questions about Jackson throwing the ball persist even after he led NFL in touchdown passes for his 2019 MVP season, and recorded two games with perfect passer ratings. His passing is the most important act of the offense this year. Baltimore is No. 1 because of his ability to throw deep downfield, inside the red zone and outside the numbers. In total offense, he ranks No. 1.
The Ravens don't have a dominant rush attack like Jackson scrambling, unlike his previous three seasons. Baltimore lost its two top running backs, J.K. Dobbins, and Gus Edwards, to season-ending knee injuries. Baltimore hasn't seen much from Latavius, Ty'Son Williams and Devonta Freeman.
Jackson's arm will be the reason that the Ravens make noise for the remainder of the season. This should calm those who doubt him.
He is among the best throwers and rushers in the league and his statistics so far are comparable to his stats after his MVP season in 2019. Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire
This is Jackson's best?
Stat: In the NFL's history, 850 players either ran for 300 yards or threw for 1,500 yards during a five-game span. Jackson is the only player to accomplish both during a five-game stretch.
Jackson was hoping that this would be his year as a passer. It's been a bigger leap than expected.
Jackson can do so much more!
Jackson stated that Jackson has not reached his peak. It's still early in this season.
Jackson will play better. It is realistic to expect Jackson's growth. Jackson could be targeting Rashod Bateman, a first-round pick. He missed five games due to a groin injury and will likely play in Sunday's passing game. After being out of action since the season opener due to an ankle injury, All-Pro left tackle Ronnie Stanley will likely return.
Calais Campbell, defensive end, said that he is only scratching the surface of how great he could be. He is still only 24 years old. This is amazing what he can do. He is well-known for his leg strength, and I felt that he was treated with disrespect. I believe that a lot people are now embracing his arm talent and it's great to see.
Jackson is the AFC North's youngest starting quarterback.
Lamar Jackson's chances of winning the MVP award have improved, but it is becoming more difficult to find a spot in the field. Tommy Gilligan/USA TODAY Sports
Jackson has reclaimed the NFL MVP title.
Stat: This season, 18 teams have produced less total yards than Jackson's 1,860. Jackson has been responsible for 84% total Ravens yards through five games. He was the primary contributor to 499 yards of Baltimore's offense on Monday night.
Jackson's chances of winning the NFL MVP have gotten slimmer since the beginning of the season. However, he is now behind more players.
Although his odds of winning increased from 16 to 1 to 10, he now trails five rather than four quarterbacks. He is now behind Kyler Murray and Josh Allen, Tom Brady and Dak Prescott, as well as Justin Herbert.
The Ravens might be handicapped differently by their opponents in the MVP race.
Joey Bosa, Chargers Pro Bowl Linebacker, stated that Lamar Jackson is "probably the most dynamic player when it comes to getting the ball in his hands." He is the best at it.
Jackson's five-game record is comparable to his 2019 MVP season.
Jackson rushed for 1,579 yards, 12 touchdowns and a 67.8 total QBR through five games in 2019. He has 1,860 yards, 10 touchdowns, and a 61.7 passer rating through five games this season.
Brandon Staley, Chargers coach, said that you are seeing a player who has never played in the NFL. While there have been some similar players, Lamar Jackson is the most notable. Lamar Jackson is dangerous at every turn. While there are many superstars in this league, Lamar is definitely at the top.
