Lamar Jackson cemented his legacy as the top rushing quarterback last season, surpassing Michael Vick for the most career rushing yards in that role. However, Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh believes Jackson’s talent extends far beyond his running ability, asserting that he should be recognized as one of the greatest quarterbacks ever for his passing skills as well.
“He’s an exceptionally skilled passer,” Harbaugh shared during a Wednesday appearance on ESPN’s Kevin Clark show, “This Is Football.” He emphasized that this is especially impressive considering the early skepticism surrounding Jackson’s passing ability, noting, “Lamar Jackson can throw the football in many different ways.”
Harbaugh reflected on what Jackson’s growth means from a broader standpoint, highlighting last season’s historical achievements where Jackson became the first NFL player to throw at least 40 touchdown passes while tossing fewer than five interceptions. His passer rating of 119.6 ranked fourth all-time, and he recorded four perfect passer rating games (158.3), the most in NFL history. Additionally, Jackson holds seven career games with more touchdown passes than incompletions, an NFL record.
When asked how Jackson attained such an elite level, Harbaugh attributed it to relentless dedication, comparing Jackson’s work ethic to that of a 95-year-old piano player who practices six to eight hours daily and feels he’s just starting to improve. “That’s what Lamar does every day—he works tirelessly on his craft.”
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Fan Take: Lamar Jackson’s evolution into a top-tier passer as well as a dynamic runner redefines the quarterback role in the NFL, blending dual-threat capability with elite passing efficiency. This breakthrough not only elevates the Ravens but also challenges traditional perceptions, inspiring a new generation of quarterbacks to develop versatile skillsets that could reshape the future of the sport.
