The Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson: A Complicated Relationship

In the realm of professional sports, few relationships are as scrutinized as the one between star athletes and their teams. For some, this bond is one of mutual respect, while for others, it’s marked by tension, unfulfilled expectations, and discontent. The relationship between quarterback Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens is a prime example of the latter. As one of the most dynamic players in the NFL, Jackson’s brilliance on the field has often been overshadowed by the recurring question: is he being utilized to his fullest potential, and are the Ravens truly capable of supporting him in the pursuit of greatness? This question has lingered throughout his career, leading to a situation where Jackson might not feel that the Ravens are good enough for him, prompting him to refrain from fully celebrating or rejoicing with them during key moments.

Lamar Jackson’s Early Years with the Ravens

When Lamar Jackson was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the franchise clearly saw something special in him. Jackson’s ability to make plays with his legs was unparalleled, and his potential as a dual-threat quarterback was immediately evident. The Ravens, under the guidance of head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, sought to reshape their offense to cater to Jackson’s strengths. This adaptation led to an unprecedented era for Baltimore, with Jackson guiding the team to the playoffs in his first two seasons as a starter and winning the NFL MVP award in 2019.

The 2019 season was a historic one for Jackson, as he broke numerous records, including becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season. He led the Ravens to a 14-2 record and positioned them as one of the most formidable teams in the league. However, despite the individual accolades, the Ravens’ postseason performance left much to be desired. Jackson and the Ravens fell short in the playoffs in back-to-back years, with the most painful loss coming in the 2020 playoffs against the Buffalo Bills. This failure created a growing sense of frustration for Jackson, as the team’s inability to provide him with the necessary support to win a Super Bowl became more apparent.

The Question of Support: A Team Without a True Number One Receiver

As Jackson’s career progressed, it became increasingly clear that the Ravens’ roster wasn’t built to maximize his unique skill set. One of the key issues was the lack of a true number one wide receiver. While Baltimore’s offense had always been strong in the running game, anchored by Jackson’s ability to make plays with his legs, the passing game remained inconsistent. The Ravens’ best wide receivers, such as Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and others, never developed into elite playmakers capable of challenging defenses consistently.

This lack of receiving talent was compounded by the Ravens’ approach to the draft and free agency. Despite Jackson’s evident need for a top-tier receiver, the Ravens front office largely neglected to invest heavily in this area. While the team made some attempts, such as drafting Rashod Bateman in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, these moves were often too little too late. By the time Bateman emerged as a solid option, Jackson had already experienced years of frustration with the lack of reliable targets.

For a quarterback like Jackson, who thrives on making big plays through the air, having a reliable and explosive receiving corps is critical. Without it, Jackson was forced to carry a significant portion of the offensive load himself. He was not just expected to make plays with his arm but also to create opportunities with his legs. While this might have worked for a time, the constant strain took a toll on both Jackson and the Ravens as a team.

Coaching Changes and Scheme Inconsistencies

Another factor that weighed heavily on Jackson’s relationship with the Ravens was the inconsistency in offensive schemes. Over the years, the Ravens made several changes to their offensive coaching staff, and while the changes were often made with good intentions, they led to a lack of continuity. Jackson thrived in the early days of his career when the team committed to a run-heavy offense, centered around his mobility and play-action passing. However, as the NFL evolved and other teams adjusted to Jackson’s style of play, the Ravens found themselves needing to diversify their offense to keep up.

The introduction of new offensive coordinators, such as Greg Roman, who had a more run-oriented approach, and later the move towards more balanced offensive schemes, created a lack of stability in the offensive system. This led to inconsistent performances and often forced Jackson to adjust to different styles of play that didn’t always suit his strengths. This constant switching of systems left Jackson and the Ravens in a perpetual state of flux, hindering their ability to develop into a true championship contender.

Lamar Jackson’s Desire for Recognition and Control

Lamar Jackson’s reluctance to rejoice with the Ravens in certain moments can be understood through the lens of his increasing desire for recognition and control over his own career. Jackson is widely regarded as one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL, yet his contract situation has been a constant point of contention. Unlike many of his peers, Jackson chose not to hire an agent to negotiate his contract, instead handling his own negotiations with the Ravens. This decision demonstrated his independence and desire to have more control over his career, but it also placed him in a vulnerable position.

For years, Jackson’s contract situation remained unresolved, and the Ravens were slow to offer him the kind of deal that many believed he deserved. As other quarterbacks in the league, such as Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson, received massive contracts, Jackson was left waiting. This disparity created a sense of frustration and doubt in Jackson’s mind about the Ravens’ commitment to him. He was the face of the franchise, the player who had brought them so much success, yet the front office had not rewarded him in the way he expected.

This tension boiled over as Jackson watched other teams and quarterbacks around the league receive more recognition and financial security. His decision to refrain from celebrating with the Ravens during key moments could be seen as a symbolic gesture of dissatisfaction, a way to signal that while he appreciated the wins, he did not feel truly supported or valued by the organization.

A Super Bowl Window That Never Fully Opened

Throughout Jackson’s tenure with the Ravens, the question always lingered: could he win a Super Bowl with the team? The answer, unfortunately, has been elusive. Despite Jackson’s undeniable talent and his ability to carry the team on his back, the Ravens have never been able to put together the kind of roster that could truly compete for a championship. The lack of offensive firepower, compounded by the inconsistency in coaching and the inability to surround Jackson with top-tier weapons, has kept them from reaching the pinnacle of success.

For a player like Jackson, who has shown time and time again that he has the potential to elevate a team, the failure to secure a Super Bowl is likely a source of immense frustration. And while Jackson may not openly criticize the team, his decision to distance himself emotionally—choosing not to celebrate with them during moments of victory—can be seen as a quiet form of protest. It’s a recognition that, despite his best efforts, the Ravens have not been good enough to match his own level of greatness.

Moving Forward: Will Lamar Jackson Stay with the Ravens?

As the 2025 NFL season looms, the future of Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens remains uncertain. Jackson is undoubtedly one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league, but the team’s ability to build a championship-caliber roster around him remains in question. The Ravens have made strides in recent years to improve their offensive weapons and adjust their coaching staff, but it remains to be seen if these changes will be enough to break through the ceiling that has kept them from reaching the Super Bowl.

For Jackson, his future with the Ravens could very well depend on how committed the team is to supporting him. If the Ravens are willing to build around his strengths, offer him the kind of weapons he needs, and create a more consistent and effective offensive system, then perhaps Jackson will reconsider his stance. However, if the Ravens continue to fall short in these areas, Jackson’s desire to move on from the team and pursue his own path to glory may become too strong to ignore.

In the end, Lamar Jackson’s decision to not fully rejoice with the Ravens may be his way of signaling that, while he respects the franchise and its history, he deserves more than just participation in a winning season—he deserves the full support and recognition of a team that is truly capable of helping him win a Super Bowl. Whether the Ravens can rise to that challenge remains to be seen.