Lamar Jackson Is Magic on the Field, but the Ravens Must Build a Complete Team Around Their Star Quarterback

Lamar Jackson Is Magic on the Field, but the Ravens Must Build a Complete Team Around Their Star Quarterback

Lamar Jackson may look like Houdini on the football field sometimes, but the Baltimore Ravens superstar can’t do everything by himself. The electrifying quarterback has often bailed out his team with jaw-dropping plays and athletic brilliance, yet even the most talented players have their limits. The time has come for the Ravens organization to fully recognize that surrounding Jackson with the right pieces — offensively, defensively, and schematically — is the only path to legitimate and sustained Super Bowl contention.

Since entering the league in 2018, Jackson has transformed the Ravens offense from traditional and predictable to dynamic and dangerous. He won the NFL MVP in 2019 with a record-breaking season, becoming the first quarterback to throw for over 3,000 yards and rush for over 1,000 in a single year. His dual-threat capabilities keep defenses on edge, force coordinators to rip up their game plans, and have led to one of the most feared offenses in the league — when it’s clicking.

But that’s the problem. It doesn’t always click, and far too often, Jackson has had to carry the Ravens on his shoulders. When things go wrong — whether through injury, inconsistency, or lack of support — Baltimore’s offense grinds to a halt, and Jackson is left improvising with little help. That’s not sustainable for a team that has championship aspirations.

The Ravens have flirted with greatness since drafting Jackson. They’ve made the playoffs in four of his six seasons, won multiple AFC North titles, and often look like a top-five team during the regular season. But in the postseason, they’ve struggled to take the next step. The most glaring issue in many of these playoff exits has been an offense that stalls when the going gets tough, usually because of lack of weapons, poor line play, or questionable play-calling.

In last season’s AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Jackson played admirably, but the Ravens failed to keep pace with Patrick Mahomes and a more complete Chiefs roster. It was another reminder that one superstar, no matter how gifted, cannot win it all alone.

That begins with the supporting cast on offense. While the team has made recent efforts to improve Jackson’s arsenal, the results have been mixed. The signing of Odell Beckham Jr. was more symbolic than strategic, and while rookie Zay Flowers showed promise, the Ravens still lack a consistent, game-breaking wideout who can command double coverage and make defenses pay for overcommitting to stopping Jackson. Mark Andrews remains elite at tight end, but even he has had injury setbacks.

The offensive line, once the bedrock of Baltimore’s identity, has been inconsistent. Pass protection has been shaky at times, and while the run game remains strong, it’s often Jackson himself creating running lanes rather than relying on a dominant line to pave the way. For a quarterback who takes more hits than most due to his play style, a sturdy and cohesive offensive line is not a luxury — it’s a necessity.

The Ravens’ front office has shown signs of understanding the need to support Jackson. The team’s drafting of Flowers and acquisition of running back Derrick Henry are promising steps. Henry provides the kind of bruising running threat that can wear down defenses and open up play-action opportunities, while Flowers gives Jackson a young, speedy weapon with potential to develop into a true WR1.

But to truly maximize Jackson’s window, Baltimore needs to go further. That means investing aggressively in offensive line upgrades, possibly in the draft or free agency, and continuing to prioritize speed and skill at the receiver positions. It also means giving offensive coordinator Todd Monken the freedom — and the mandate — to tailor the system around Jackson’s unique abilities, rather than trying to fit him into a traditional quarterback mold.

Jackson is not your average quarterback. His ability to escape pressure, extend plays, and turn broken plays into touchdowns is unmatched. But relying on those heroics every week is unfair and shortsighted. The Ravens must adopt a long-term vision that values offensive balance, strategic versatility, and roster depth.

Defensively, the Ravens have generally held up their end of the bargain. Baltimore’s defense has consistently ranked among the NFL’s best in points allowed, sacks, and takeaways. Under defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, the unit has shown creativity and resilience, often bailing the team out when the offense sputters. But even the league’s top defenses can only do so much when forced to stay on the field too long because of short offensive drives.

Complementary football is the key. That means having an offense capable of sustained drives, quick-strike scoring, and ball security — all areas where Jackson can excel with the right tools. It also means special teams contributing with field position and the coaching staff managing game plans that don’t ask Jackson to be Superman every week.

It’s also worth considering the mental and emotional toll on a quarterback who is constantly expected to perform miracles. Jackson has shown nothing but toughness, competitiveness, and leadership throughout his career. He plays with joy, fire, and swagger, and has earned the respect of teammates, coaches, and fans alike. But to keep him healthy and mentally fresh for the stretch run — especially into January and February — he must be protected and supported.

The window for Baltimore is not indefinite. The AFC is loaded with elite quarterback talent: Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, Trevor Lawrence, and rising stars like C.J. Stroud. The Ravens have one of the most dangerous and unique quarterbacks in the league, but the clock is ticking. To capitalize on Jackson’s prime, the front office must be aggressive and deliberate in building the most complete team possible around him.

That includes not only roster construction but also organizational commitment. Ownership must continue to invest in state-of-the-art facilities, analytics, and training programs that give the Ravens every edge. Coaches must be open-minded and creative, willing to challenge conventional norms in order to fully harness what Jackson brings to the table. And the team culture must continue to evolve into one that expects championships, not just playoff berths.

There’s also a fan element to all this. Ravens fans have been spoiled with two decades of strong football, including two Super Bowl titles and perennial playoff appearances. But Lamar Jackson has brought a new energy — a new face to the franchise — and the excitement around him is justified. He’s box office. He’s special. But he needs help. And the fans, too, must recognize that when the team falls short, it’s not always on Lamar. Football is the ultimate team sport, and even Houdini needs a few good assistants.

Looking ahead, the 2025 season could be a defining year for Jackson and the Ravens. With key additions, a healthy roster, and lessons learned from past postseason failures, Baltimore has the tools to make a run. But it won’t happen by magic alone. It will take discipline, vision, and teamwork — from the front office to the sideline, from the locker room to the field.

Lamar Jackson is one of the most gifted athletes to ever play the quarterback position. He’s changed how people think about football and what’s possible under center. But even magicians need a well-rehearsed act. The Ravens have the chance to build something truly special — not just a team that dazzles in September, but one that dominates in January.

To do that, they must protect their star, invest in his success, and treat every decision as a piece of the championship puzzle. Jackson has already proven he’s worth it. Now it’s up to the Ravens to prove they are, too.