Former NFL Quarterback Offers Candid Critique Of Lamar Jackson And Ravens’ Super Bowl Hopes Amid High Expectations In 2025 Season
As the Baltimore Ravens head into what could be one of the most pivotal seasons in franchise history, the team is once again under the microscope of media, fans, and former NFL players. Among the most vocal of those offering perspective is a former quarterback—whose playing career and current commentary role give his words weight—who recently delivered a pointed critique of both Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ long-term outlook.
In a recent appearance on a national sports talk show, the ex-QB didn’t hold back. He praised Lamar Jackson’s athletic ability and individual accolades but questioned whether the Ravens’ current formula can lead them to the Super Bowl. His comments echoed a sentiment that has lingered around the league: that while Jackson is electrifying, the Ravens haven’t yet found the winning postseason formula that will take them all the way.
“There’s no doubt Lamar Jackson is a special player,” the former quarterback said. “He’s a nightmare for defenses. But being special doesn’t always mean being sustainable or successful in January.”
Those words—particularly coming from a fellow quarterback—have stirred reaction across NFL circles. Ravens fans immediately pushed back, pointing to Jackson’s second MVP season, his growing maturity as a passer, and the upgraded offensive pieces around him. But critics have found validation in the comments, especially after yet another promising Baltimore season ended short of the Super Bowl.
The former quarterback—who played in multiple playoff games himself and has become a prominent analyst—didn’t attack Jackson personally. His analysis was rooted in a broader football philosophy. His point was simple: can the Ravens win in the playoffs with Jackson’s current style, and are they maximizing his strengths while covering his limitations?
“This isn’t about doubting the talent,” he said. “This is about understanding what wins championships in today’s NFL. You have to have a quarterback who can make precision throws from the pocket when the defense takes away the scramble lanes. That’s what separates Mahomes, Burrow, and even a guy like Stafford when he got hot. Can Lamar do that? He has the tools. But he hasn’t shown it consistently when it matters most.”
This argument isn’t new, but it carries more sting now after Jackson’s second MVP campaign still ended with a loss in the AFC Championship Game. Jackson has made strides as a passer under offensive coordinator Todd Monken. His completion percentage has improved, and his decision-making has been sharper. But postseason games tighten up. Defensive coordinators zero in on tendencies. And Jackson has yet to produce a full playoff stretch where his arm, not just his legs, carried the team.
The former QB also took time to analyze the Ravens’ overall offensive setup.
“The problem isn’t just Lamar,” he said. “It’s the scheme around him. Baltimore’s still trying to find its offensive identity. Are they a run-first team? Are they trying to be pass-first? They say they’re balanced, but in big games, they revert to what they know: Lamar runs and short passes to the tight ends.”
He’s not entirely wrong. Baltimore’s offense can still lack fluidity at times, particularly in two-minute drills or when playing from behind. While Monken’s system is more expansive than Greg Roman’s previous scheme, there’s still a sense that the offense hasn’t fully figured out how to unlock Jackson’s complete arsenal in high-stakes moments.
Much of that burden falls on the surrounding cast. The former quarterback highlighted the Ravens’ wide receiver group as a critical factor moving forward.
“I like Zay Flowers. He’s got real juice. But who else scares you? Rashod Bateman hasn’t become that guy yet. Mark Andrews is still the No. 1 target when healthy. That tells you all you need to know.”
He also stressed the need for a “true WR1” who can dictate coverage and open up the field for Jackson. It’s a fair point—Baltimore has invested in receivers, but hasn’t landed the kind of game-changer that makes a defense nervous every snap. Until they do, playoff defenses will continue to clog the middle of the field and force Jackson to win outside the numbers.
Interestingly, the critique wasn’t all tactical. The former QB also brought up leadership and the mental aspects of playoff football.
“Quarterbacking is more than throwing a pretty ball or running fast. It’s about owning the moment. Lamar’s grown, no doubt. But sometimes he still plays like he’s trying to prove people wrong instead of just leading his team. You’ve got to stay even, especially when things go sideways in the postseason.”
This may be the most controversial part of his analysis. Those close to the Ravens rave about Jackson’s maturity and leadership. He’s beloved in the locker room, a galvanizing figure for teammates, and someone who has taken control of his career, including negotiating his own contract extension.
But it’s true that his playoff body of work has been uneven. Jackson is 2–4 in the playoffs and has thrown more interceptions (6) than touchdowns (5) in those appearances. His overall passer rating drops noticeably in the postseason. Whether that’s due to pressure, schematic limitations, or surrounding talent is up for debate—but it’s the kind of stat line that invites scrutiny.
Lamar Jackson has never been one to respond directly to critics, and this instance has been no different. When asked about the comments, he shrugged them off with a smile.
“I’m focused on this team. We’ve got one goal, and that’s to win a Super Bowl. I’m not worried about what other people are saying.”
It’s a calm, measured response—and likely the right one. Jackson understands that expectations come with superstardom, especially in a city like Baltimore where the shadow of past champions looms large. But as the former QB pointed out, being measured off the field isn’t enough if the results on the field stay the same.
One of the more thoughtful parts of the former quarterback’s commentary came when he talked about legacy.
“Lamar’s done things this league has never seen. He’s changed the position. But legacies aren’t built on highlights. They’re built in January and February. That’s when the great ones separate.”
That may be the most resonant takeaway. Jackson is already in rare air—two MVPs, multiple Pro Bowls, and a highlight reel that will live on forever. But he and the Ravens know that greatness, in this league, is ultimately judged by rings. Until that happens, the questions will linger, no matter how many records fall.
With the 2025 season looming, the Ravens are again in a position to compete for a title. The roster is loaded with talent. The defense, led by Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton, is elite. The offensive line is solid, and the addition of Derrick Henry in the backfield gives Baltimore a bruising option to control the clock.
The key remains Jackson. If he can take the next step—not just statistically, but in terms of execution and poise under pressure—then the Ravens have everything they need to finally return to the Super Bowl.
But if the playoffs bring the same old story—dynamic play followed by crucial turnovers or stalled drives—the whispers will grow louder. And the voices, including those from former players, will keep asking the same question: is Lamar Jackson the quarterback who can win when it matters most?
Until he does, every comment, every loss, and every missed opportunity will be viewed through that lens.
The former quarterback wasn’t trying to tear Jackson down—his critique was rooted in respect and hope. But it was also a reminder that greatness is never guaranteed. For Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, 2025 may be their best shot yet—and perhaps their last before the window begins to narrow.
