Lamar Jackson Is Riding Momentum After an MVP-Caliber Season That Redefined Quarterback Play and Elevated the Baltimore Ravens’ Offense
The Baltimore Ravens’ star quarterback is riding high off one of the best seasons at the position in NFL history. Lamar Jackson’s 2024 campaign wasn’t just statistically impressive—it was transformational. It redefined what it means to be a modern quarterback, blending elite arm talent, masterful decision-making, and game-breaking athleticism into a singular, unstoppable force. The former MVP not only silenced doubters but also pushed the Ravens into the conversation as legitimate Super Bowl contenders once again.
After years of conversations revolving around whether Jackson could develop into a true “pass-first” quarterback or win big games with his arm, the 2024 season served as a definitive answer. Jackson showed remarkable growth in the pocket, improved accuracy on deep balls, quicker reads, and a poise that had eluded him during key playoff stretches in previous years. He evolved from a dynamic playmaker into a complete quarterback, capable of dissecting defenses with surgical precision while still retaining the ability to escape and create magic outside of structure.
The transformation began in the offseason, where Jackson committed himself to improving every facet of his game. Working closely with quarterback coaches and film analysts, he dove deep into defensive tendencies, focusing on disguises, blitz pickups, and pre-snap adjustments. He honed his mechanics, tightened his release, and prioritized footwork, particularly when throwing on the move. The results were visible from Week 1. He was more confident, more in command, and more comfortable than ever before.
Much of Jackson’s success in 2024 can also be credited to the Ravens’ front office, which finally built an offense tailored to his full capabilities. The hiring of offensive coordinator Todd Monken paid off massively, as Monken’s scheme emphasized tempo, spacing, and misdirection—playing perfectly to Jackson’s strengths. The addition of Derrick Henry in the backfield gave the Ravens a punishing run game, forcing defenses to stay honest. But perhaps most importantly, Jackson was finally surrounded by a complete receiving corps featuring Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and Nelson Agholor.
With those weapons, Jackson didn’t have to do everything himself. He could trust his receivers to win one-on-one matchups, trust his offensive line to keep him upright, and trust his system to get the ball out on time. This allowed him to play with a level of calm and composure that was at times missing in previous years, particularly when the pressure was on. His decision-making took a massive leap forward, as evidenced by his career-low in turnovers and career-high in completion percentage.
Statistically, Jackson was a marvel. He threw for over 4,300 yards with 35 touchdowns through the air, while adding another 800 yards and 8 scores on the ground. But the numbers only tell part of the story. Jackson was the engine of an offense that ranked top-three in both scoring and total yardage, and he was at his best when it mattered most—on third downs, in the red zone, and late in games. No quarterback in the league combined efficiency and explosiveness as well as Jackson did in 2024.
His ability to process plays quickly became one of the most talked-about improvements in his game. He consistently made the right reads, knowing when to fire the ball into tight windows, when to check it down, and when to pull it down and run. This mental maturity elevated his physical gifts, making him nearly impossible to game plan against. Defensive coordinators found themselves stuck between two impossible choices: play coverage and risk getting gashed by his legs, or stack the box and risk getting picked apart through the air.
Jackson’s signature moment of the season came in a primetime matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he outdueled Patrick Mahomes in what many called a preview of the AFC Championship Game. Jackson was flawless—throwing four touchdowns, rushing for another, and orchestrating a perfect two-minute drill to win the game. That performance silenced the remaining skeptics and reinforced the notion that Jackson had arrived as not just a great athlete playing quarterback, but as an elite quarterback, period.
His leadership throughout the year was equally vital. Jackson matured into the face of the franchise in every sense. He took accountability in losses, praised his teammates in wins, and maintained a laser focus throughout the grueling NFL schedule. Younger players gravitated toward him, veterans respected him, and coaches leaned on him to set the tone. He became more vocal in meetings, more involved in game planning, and more deliberate in how he carried himself around the facility. The team followed his lead.
Jackson’s relationship with Monken deserves special mention. The two built a rapport that allowed for freedom and creativity within structure. Monken trusted Jackson to make adjustments at the line of scrimmage and gave him autonomy to switch plays when he saw favorable matchups. In return, Jackson rewarded that trust with intelligent football, rarely forcing throws or making reckless decisions. Their synergy turned Baltimore’s offense into one of the league’s most efficient and unpredictable units.
The success also extended into the postseason, where Jackson answered his critics with clutch performances. In the Divisional Round, he orchestrated a comeback victory against the Bengals, making key throws under pressure and extending plays with his legs. In the AFC Championship, he held his own against a dominant Bills defense, delivering a gutsy performance that, despite falling just short of the Super Bowl, showed the kind of leader he had become.
Off the field, Jackson’s impact was just as profound. He continued his work in the Baltimore community, invested in youth programs, and took on a more visible leadership role in advocating for player empowerment and social issues. His off-field growth mirrored his on-field development—a young man becoming not just a great football player, but a role model and pillar of the community.
What makes Jackson’s 2024 season so remarkable isn’t just the raw production—it’s the context. He achieved all of this in one of the league’s most competitive conferences, while facing relentless scrutiny, navigating injuries to key teammates, and carrying the weight of lofty expectations. He didn’t just meet those expectations—he shattered them. Jackson’s ability to evolve, adapt, and elevate those around him is what truly separates him from most players at the position.
Now, heading into 2025, Jackson is no longer chasing validation. He’s chasing greatness. The MVP awards, the highlight reels, and the statistical records are already part of his legacy. What remains is the ultimate prize: a Super Bowl. And with the roster around him, the coaching staff in place, and his personal growth at its peak, that goal feels more attainable than ever.
The Ravens, for their part, have gone all-in on Jackson as their franchise cornerstone. The front office has continued to build around him, investing in offensive line depth, adding more receiving talent, and reinforcing the defense to ensure the team remains balanced. They know that as long as Jackson is under center, they have a chance to win every Sunday.
There’s something poetic about Jackson’s journey—about a player many doubted because of his unconventional style now standing atop the league not just as a highlight machine, but as a polished, complete, championship-caliber quarterback. He didn’t conform to traditional expectations. He rewrote them. And in doing so, he has redefined what the quarterback position can be in today’s NFL.
As training camp opens and anticipation builds for the new season, the question isn’t whether Lamar Jackson can keep this level of play going—it’s how much better he can still become. Because for all the records, all the accolades, and all the jaw-dropping moments, it feels like Jackson is still ascending. Still learning. Still hungry.
In a league constantly searching for the next great quarterback, the Ravens already have theirs. And if 2024 was any indication, Lamar Jackson isn’t done making history—he’s just getting started.
