Ryan Clark shuts down Ravens' Lamar Jackson 'underrated' narrative
Ryan Clark shuts down Ravens’ Lamar Jackson ‘underrated’ narrative
Lamar Jackson, the quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, has long been a polarizing figure in the NFL. His combination of athleticism, dynamic playmaking ability, and unique style of quarterbacking has led to both adoration and skepticism. While Jackson has consistently proven himself as one of the league’s most electrifying players, questions about his passing ability and his place among the NFL’s elite have persisted. For years, the narrative around him has often centered on whether he truly deserves to be considered one of the game’s top quarterbacks.
Recently, a narrative has emerged suggesting that Jackson is “underrated,” claiming that the league and media have failed to give him the respect he deserves despite his accomplishments. However, former NFL player and ESPN analyst Ryan Clark is having none of it. Clark, a former safety who spent much of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has taken to social media and on-air platforms to emphatically shut down this narrative, arguing that Lamar Jackson is not underrated but rather deserves the recognition he’s already received.
This article will explore Ryan Clark’s stance on Lamar Jackson’s place in the NFL, dissect the arguments around the “underrated” narrative, and discuss why Clark believes Jackson is fully deserving of his place among the league’s elite quarterbacks.
The “Underrated” Narrative
Over the past few seasons, Lamar Jackson’s name has been a subject of intense debate in the NFL. In 2019, he had a breakout season, winning the NFL MVP award in dominant fashion. Jackson threw for 3,127 yards, 36 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions, while also rushing for 1,206 yards and 7 touchdowns. His historic season cemented his place in NFL lore as the first quarterback to rush for over 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons.
Despite his remarkable individual achievements, Jackson’s critics have consistently questioned whether he could succeed in the playoffs and whether his style of play would hold up in the long term. Critics have often focused on his lack of traditional pocket-passing mechanics, and for years, the debate centered around whether Jackson could win big games through the air. Even though he had one of the best statistical seasons for a quarterback in NFL history, these critiques followed him into the postseason.
After the Ravens’ early playoff exits, especially in 2020 when the Ravens lost to the Buffalo Bills, the “underrated” narrative began to gain traction. Proponents of this argument claimed that Jackson wasn’t given the respect he deserved due to his unconventional playing style. This discussion grew louder in the face of other quarterbacks being lauded for their accolades, with Jackson’s accomplishments often overlooked or diminished.
Ryan Clark’s Rebuttal: Why Jackson is Not Underrated
Ryan Clark has been outspoken in his belief that Lamar Jackson is not underrated but is instead well-respected and fully acknowledged for his greatness. Clark’s argument revolves around the idea that Jackson’s accomplishments should be celebrated for what they are rather than dissected in ways that often seem dismissive of his impact on the field. Below are the key points that Clark uses to shut down the notion of Jackson being underrated.
1. Jackson Has Already Proven Himself as a Winner
One of the primary arguments for Lamar Jackson’s place among the league’s elite quarterbacks is his ability to win games and lead his team to the postseason. Despite his critics, Jackson has consistently been one of the most productive quarterbacks in the NFL and has taken the Ravens deep into the playoffs multiple times. His MVP season is a clear testament to his talent, and he has continued to put up impressive numbers in the seasons following that award.
Jackson led the Ravens to the playoffs in three out of his first four seasons as starting quarterback. He won his first playoff game in 2020, beating the Tennessee Titans in a thrilling comeback victory. That win was especially significant because Jackson had been criticized for his inability to win in the postseason, and he answered those doubters with a clutch performance.
While some continue to question whether Jackson can lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl, it’s important to note that he has had plenty of playoff success and has been in contention in multiple seasons. Clark believes that Jackson’s ability to consistently perform in high-pressure situations should remove any doubt about his capability as a winner.
2. The Narrative Is Based on Bias and Misunderstanding of His Playstyle
Clark argues that the idea of Lamar Jackson being “underrated” is rooted in an outdated and biased understanding of what it takes to be an elite quarterback. Jackson’s playstyle, which relies heavily on his dual-threat ability as both a passer and a runner, has often been mischaracterized. Many still see him as a “gimmick” quarterback who thrives only on his legs, but Clark points out that Jackson’s ability to adapt his game and improve as a passer makes him a multifaceted threat.
Jackson’s throwing ability has vastly improved since his early days in the NFL. In 2023, Jackson posted a career-high 67.1% completion rate, throwing for 3,472 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. He has also improved his deep-ball accuracy and developed chemistry with a revamped receiving corps. While he may never be a traditional pocket passer like Tom Brady or Peyton Manning, Jackson has evolved into a quarterback who can beat you through the air just as much as he can with his legs.
The idea that Jackson’s rushing ability overshadows his passing ability is a false narrative. Clark stresses that it’s a mistake to pigeonhole Jackson into one-dimensional quarterbacking. He’s a player who can do it all, and it’s this versatility that makes him a nightmare for defenses to game-plan against.
3. Jackson’s Impact on the Ravens and the NFL as a Whole
Another point that Clark highlights is Lamar Jackson’s broader impact on the Ravens and the NFL as a whole. Jackson has single-handedly revitalized the Ravens’ offense and changed the way teams think about the quarterback position. His ability to make plays outside the pocket and create offense with his legs has set a new standard for what it means to be a mobile quarterback in the modern NFL.
Jackson’s unique style of play has inspired a wave of new quarterbacks entering the league with similar skill sets. Players like Kyler Murray, Jalen Hurts, and Justin Fields have all followed in Jackson’s footsteps, using their athleticism and dual-threat abilities to thrive in the NFL. Jackson has become a trailblazer in this sense, and his impact goes far beyond just the Baltimore Ravens.
Moreover, Jackson has led the Ravens to consistent success, with multiple AFC North titles and playoff berths. Under his leadership, the Ravens have remained one of the most competitive teams in the league. The offense, which had been lackluster in the years before Jackson’s arrival, has become one of the most explosive in the NFL, largely thanks to his dual-threat ability.
4. The MVP Award and Respect From Peers
One of the most significant indicators that Lamar Jackson is not underrated is the respect he has earned from his peers. In 2019, Jackson won the NFL MVP award in a landslide vote, which was a recognition of his dominance during the season. That award is one of the highest honors a player can receive, and it reflects the acknowledgment of his abilities by the players and coaches who see him up close.
Jackson’s impact on the field is also reflected in the way he is viewed by his fellow players. Many of the league’s top defenders have spoken about the challenge of facing Jackson, acknowledging how difficult it is to contain him. Players like Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey, and others have expressed admiration for Jackson’s skill set and have publicly praised his unique style of play.
Furthermore, Jackson has consistently been ranked highly in NFL player surveys and media rankings. He has been named to multiple Pro Bowls and has earned All-Pro honors, cementing his status as one of the league’s top quarterbacks.
