For Lamar Jackson, the narrative surrounding his career has long been about achieving greatness, but with a lingering question: can he bring a Super Bowl victory to Baltimore? Despite having already cemented his legacy as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in NFL history, there’s a glaring gap in his résumé that critics are quick to point out—Jackson has yet to appear in a Super Bowl.
The Baltimore Ravens quarterback has done nearly everything else. He has won two MVP awards (2019, 2024) and potentially could claim a third for his outstanding play this season, which has been nothing short of historic. His ability to make plays with his legs and arm, combined with his leadership and work ethic, has transformed the Ravens’ offense into a powerhouse. Jackson is one of only two quarterbacks in NFL history to win MVP in back-to-back seasons, joining Peyton Manning. Yet, despite all of this, the elusive Super Bowl appearance remains an obstacle in his otherwise decorated career.
“After we lost in that AFC championship game last year, I just sat at my locker over there,” Jackson said after the Ravens’ latest playoff run. “I was thinking, ‘We’ve got to do this all over again? We’ve got to play 17 games again, just to see if we’re good enough to make it back?’ Now we’re back in the playoffs. Now it’s all about this wild-card game.”
That determination is evident in Jackson’s mindset as the Ravens prepare for another playoff run. His reflection on last season’s AFC championship loss and his thoughts of the grueling path ahead show his resilience. For Jackson, it’s about finding a way to push past the adversity and bring his team back to the pinnacle of the sport.
And now, with the Ravens back in the playoffs once again, Jackson is focused solely on advancing. The pursuit of a Super Bowl is always present, but at this moment, it’s all about the next game—the wild-card matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night.
While Jackson’s critics often focus on his lack of a Super Bowl appearance, those who understand the game appreciate the significance of his accomplishments. He is a transformative player, and his impact on the field speaks volumes. His dual-threat ability, blending exceptional passing with his ability to escape and make plays with his legs, has revolutionized what the quarterback position can be. The NFL is now filled with players trying to emulate Jackson’s style, yet no one has quite been able to replicate his combination of athleticism, vision, and playmaking ability.
But despite all of his achievements, Jackson has yet to play in the big game. For some, that’s a major point of contention. Super Bowl appearances and victories are often the ultimate measure of a quarterback’s greatness, and while Jackson has delivered remarkable regular-season performances, the postseason has been more challenging for the Ravens. There have been early exits in the playoffs, and last year, despite his MVP-caliber season, Jackson and the Ravens fell short in the AFC Championship Game.
With his team heading into another playoff run, Jackson is laser-focused on the present, rather than dwelling on past disappointments or the gap in his résumé. The Steelers are no easy opponent, and their defense will present a tough challenge for Jackson and the Ravens’ offense. But for Jackson, it’s all about playing the game in front of him. His ability to block out the noise and focus on execution has been a key part of his success, and it will be crucial for the Ravens to get past Pittsburgh and keep advancing in the playoffs.
This playoff journey may well be one of Jackson’s most significant yet. There’s a certain weight to the narrative surrounding his career, and advancing to a Super Bowl could finally silence the doubters who remain fixated on his lack of postseason success. But for Jackson, his mentality has always been about improvement. He doesn’t shy away from the pressure or the expectations; rather, he embraces them and works relentlessly to achieve his ultimate goal. Whether or not this season ends in a Super Bowl appearance, the fact that Jackson continues to evolve and perform at an elite level is a testament to his character and determination.
As the Ravens head into the postseason, Jackson’s ability to elevate his game will be paramount. The Steelers’ defense will look to neutralize Jackson’s dynamic abilities, but if he can lead Baltimore to a victory, it will mark another step toward his ultimate goal. Regardless of the outcome, Jackson is already among the most accomplished quarterbacks in NFL history, and with another MVP-caliber season in the books, his place in the league’s elite is secure.
The playoff matchup against the Steelers is a pivotal moment in Jackson’s career. With each game, the Ravens’ quarterback has the chance to further solidify his legacy. And while the Super Bowl remains the missing piece, Jackson’s potential to lead his team to that stage is very much alive. As he prepares for another postseason run, Jackson’s eyes are locked on one thing—winning. Only by doing so can he push past the remaining question that has lingered over his career.
In a way, Lamar Jackson’s career has been a journey of overcoming skepticism and proving doubters wrong. From the questions about his ability to be a full-time starting quarterback to his early playoff failures, Jackson has faced and overcome obstacles throughout his career. His dedication, athleticism, and leadership have carried him to the top of the league, but the final hurdle, the Super Bowl, has yet to be cleared.
This Saturday, against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jackson and the Ravens have another opportunity to take a step closer to that ultimate prize. The postseason journey is always unpredictable, but with Jackson at the helm, the Ravens are undoubtedly a dangerous team capable of making a deep run. If he can lead his team past Pittsburgh and onto greater success in the playoffs, Jackson will move one step closer to the Super Bowl—and, ultimately, to silencing the remaining critics once and for all.
