Have we seen the best of Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson? | Pro Football Talk | NFL on NBC

Lamar Jackson's Recent Struggles

• 💡 Lamar Jackson has faced an assortment of injuries this season, including back, hamstring, knee, ankle, and foot issues, leading to missed practices.
• 📉 Concerns have been raised about a physical decline in Jackson, with observations that he is not as fast and his tracking numbers for speed are significantly down.
• ⚠️ He has also missed numerous offseason activities (OTAs), forfeiting significant money, which contrasts with the commitment shown by other top quarterbacks.

Organizational Tensions in Baltimore

• 🌫️ A "vague cloud of disconnect" exists between Lamar Jackson, head coach John Harbaugh, and the Ravens organization, particularly concerning late-season injuries and contract negotiations.
• 🤝 Jackson's decision to not have an agent has complicated contract discussions, leading to documented issues and criticism.
• 🤔 There's speculation that the Ravens might find it a "relief" if Jackson were to leave, especially after backup Tyler Huntley's performance in his absence.

Future of the Ravens & Coaching

• 🏈 The Ravens are expected to miss the postseason, leading to significant questions about the team's direction and potential major turnover in the offseason.
• ❓ Head coach John Harbaugh's future in Baltimore is under scrutiny, with discussions about whether it's time for a change, similar to past conversations about other long-tenured coaches.
• 📉 The team has been perceived as mismanaging games and blowing leads, with star players making critical mistakes in big moments, contributing to an overall sense of underperformance.

Evolving Quarterback Play

• 🚀 For quarterbacks who rely heavily on mobility and speed, the question arises about how long this playstyle can last into their 30s.
• 🎯 There's a suggested need for Jackson to make a "pivot" away from running and focus on becoming a pocket passer, similar to how Steve McNair and Steve Young adapted their games.