In a decisive victory that crowned the Baltimore Ravens as AFC North champions, Lamar Jackson’s performance against the Cleveland Browns not only sealed their playoff position but also intensified the MVP discussions surrounding him. As the Ravens routed the Browns with a commanding 35-10 score, Jackson threw for 217 yards and added two touchdowns to his impressive season tally.
The Case for Lamar Jackson: Numbers Speak Louder Than Words
Lamar Jackson has not just been playing football; he’s been redefining the quarterback role. Finishing the regular season with 4,172 passing yards and a groundbreaking combination of 41 touchdown passes with minimal turnovers, Jackson has propelled the Ravens to new heights. His dual-threat capability was on full display as he amassed 915 rushing yards, marking him as the first NFL quarterback to exceed both 4,000 passing yards and 900 rushing yards in a single season.
The quarterback’s 119.6 passer rating and a quarterback ranking of 77.6 place him at the pinnacle of NFL performance metrics this season. With such groundbreaking numbers, Jackson’s candidacy for his third MVP award is more than just speculation; it’s a growing expectation.
Derrick Henry’s Dominant Season Supports MVP Dialogue for Jackson
While Lamar Jackson has been collecting accolades for his aerial and ground game, Derrick Henry has been nothing short of spectacular in the rushing department. The powerhouse running back concluded his regular season with a staggering 1,921 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. His performance against the Browns was a microcosm of his season, where he racked up 138 yards and crossed the end zone twice.
Henry’s support for Jackson’s MVP bid was vocal and enthusiastic. Reflecting on the synergy between his and Jackson’s playing styles, Henry shared a comment from retired quarterback Robert Griffin III, which emphasized how Jackson’s threat in multiple facets of the game has facilitated his own success on the ground.
Insights from the Pros: Griffin Weighs In
Robert Griffin III, whose career also highlighted dual-threat quarterbacking, offered a detailed analysis supporting Jackson’s MVP case. According to Griffin, Jackson’s dynamic play has been a game-changer, literally making defensive players miss and misstep, which has been pivotal for Henry’s rushing yards.
“Watch the dang tape and you will see how often linebackers, safeties, and defensive lineman are out of their gap and often chasing Lamar on under center runs, shot gun runs AND zone read looks. THIS HAS BEEN THE EASIEST 1,921 YARDS DEREK HENRY HAS EVER RUN FOR IN HIS CAREER… Lamar has the 2nd highest passer rating in NFL HISTORY with 41 Passing TDS and won the AFC North. He should be the NFL MVP,” Griffin explained.
In response, Derrick Henry humorously pointed out Griffin’s misspelling of his name but concurred with the analysis, advocating for Jackson’s recognition as MVP. “First of all bruh spell my name right lol (Derrick Henry) & WE SCREAMING MV3 OVER THIS WAY!” he echoed on social media, highlighting his endorsement for Jackson.
As the NFL playoffs loom and the MVP race heats up, the performances of both Jackson and Henry will be scrutinized and celebrated. Their exceptional seasons not only make a compelling case for individual accolades but also position the Ravens as formidable contenders in the quest for the Super Bowl. Whether Jackson clinches the MVP title remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: his season has been one for the history books.
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