When Lamar Jackson entered the NFL in 2018, he faced doubts and suggestions that he should switch positions due to his unconventional playing style. Fast forward to 2024, and Jackson is in serious contention for another MVP title, with a standout performance leading the Baltimore Ravens to a 6-3 record. A closer look at Jackson’s recent stats reveals why he’s developed into one of the best passers in the league, silencing critics and redefining expectations for dual-threat quarterbacks.
1. Flawless Performance Against Denver
In Week 9, Jackson showcased his precision against the Denver Broncos, a team with one of the league’s toughest defenses. Jackson completed 16 of 19 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns, finishing with a perfect passer rating of 158.3—the fourth such game of his career, tying Ben Roethlisberger for the most in NFL history. This performance places Jackson ahead of his 2019 MVP pace and solidifies his status among elite quarterbacks.
2. Dominance in Core Passing Stats
Jackson currently ranks first in several critical metrics. Through Week 9, he leads the league in total yards (2,884), yards per attempt (9.3), and passer rating (120.7). He’s also first in touchdown rate (7.8%), touchdown-to-interception ratio (10:1), and first downs per pass attempt (44.7%). Jackson’s efficiency and decision-making have reached new heights, demonstrated by his Expected Points Added (EPA) per drop-back, where he leads the league with 0.35, and EPA per play at 0.31. These figures underscore his ability to convert plays into points, an essential skill for an NFL MVP.
3. Record-Breaking Efficiency and Versatility
Jackson’s passing efficiency and rushing skills set him apart. With a completion rate of 68.2% and 2,379 passing yards, he’s on pace for a career-high 4,494 yards and 42 touchdowns. He also has 505 rushing yards, the most among quarterbacks this season. Jackson could make NFL history as the first player to achieve both 4,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in the same season, underscoring his dual-threat impact and unique skill set.
4. High-Level Performance Despite Initial Doubts
Jackson’s development as a passer continues to defy early critics. Initially doubted as an elite passer, he’s on track for 42 touchdowns and only four interceptions, a testament to his hard work and growth. His accuracy and consistency have helped the Ravens secure a strong position in the AFC North. In the Denver game, he recorded two big-time throws without any turnover-worthy plays, and two of his incompletions were attributed to drops, resulting in a 95.2 PFF grade, one of his best since his 2019 MVP season.
5. Joining the Ranks of the NFL’s Best
Jackson is only the fifth player in NFL history to record at least 20 touchdown passes with a 120 passer rating over the first nine games of the season, joining NFL legends Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady. Notably, all but one of those seasons ended with MVP awards, putting Jackson in an excellent position to contend for this year’s title.
As Week 10 approaches, Jackson’s dominance as a passer and playmaker continues to elevate him to new heights, proving that he has indeed become one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks, with MVP honors within reach.
