Lamar Jackson has not yet secured a Super Bowl victory in his career, which has led to widespread criticism regarding his leadership and performance during crucial moments. His teammates, especially Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, have grown tired of the persistent negative assessments aimed specifically at Jackson. Humphrey recently spoke out to challenge the harsh scrutiny Jackson faces compared to other quarterbacks.
The Uneven Burden on Lamar Jackson Compared to Other Quarterbacks
Humphrey highlighted the fact that out of the 32 NFL quarterbacks, 31 do not win a Super Bowl each year, yet only a select few, including Jackson, consistently bear the brunt of blame for their team’s shortcomings. As an aspiring NFL analyst aware of the sports media’s tendencies, Humphrey recognizes that criticizing quarterbacks is part of the culture. However, when attacks become unfair, he insists on defending his teammate. On the Locked On Ravens podcast, Humphrey stated,
“There’s so much things that just aren’t true about Lamar. The takes, why this happened, why that happened. I’ve always felt it’s not equal across the board,”
—Marlon Humphrey, cornerback
He further explained,
“I know life isn’t fair. But there’s 31 quarterbacks that did not win the Super Bowl. But there’s only 1 or 2 that get blamed for x, y, z. And I feel like Lamar is always in that category.”
—Marlon Humphrey, cornerback
The NFL Media Cycle and Its Impact on Quarterbacks Like Jackson
The way the NFL media operates often means quarterbacks are either celebrated as heroes when their teams win the Super Bowl or scrutinized extensively after a loss. The quarterback, as the most visible leader on the field, typically becomes the prime target for criticism and blame. For highly popular and visible figures such as Lamar Jackson, this criticism tends to be especially intense and persistent. This inconsistency in judgment frustrates both players and fans who see the double standard.
Comparisons Highlight Disparities in Quarterback Criticism
Humphrey pointed out that other quarterbacks who have faced similar or worse postseason results do not receive equal negative attention. Although he did not mention specific names directly, players such as Joe Burrow provide a compelling example. Burrow has endured playoff absences in recent seasons but remains well-regarded in the media. Meanwhile, Jackson has successfully led the Ravens to back-to-back playoff appearances, yet critics remain focused on his inability to win the title thus far.
The fluctuating nature of public perception is also evident in cases like Jalen Hurts, who faced early doubts but is now seen as the cornerstone of a potential dynasty with the Philadelphia Eagles following recent successes. Likewise, Matthew Stafford was under scrutiny for many years before leading the Los Angeles Rams to a Super Bowl victory, which dramatically shifted his legacy.
Why Fans Should Remain Hopeful About Lamar Jackson’s Future
Given the talent on the Ravens’ roster, the strength of their coaching staff, and Jackson’s proven abilities, many believe his Super Bowl breakthrough is inevitable. The narrative surrounding Jackson might be harsh now, but history shows that perceptions change quickly when a quarterback finally achieves postseason success. Fans and analysts alike are urged to exercise patience with Jackson and the Ravens, as the combination of experience and skill on the team points toward a future championship opportunity.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who is Lamar Jackson’s idol?
A. When Lamar Jackson was young, he looked up to Michael Vick as his football hero.
Q. Why did Lamar Jackson choose 8?
A. When Jackson started college at Louisville, he picked the No. 8 because his mom said it symbolized fresh starts.
Q. Does Lamar Jackson believe in God?
A. That’s my favorite verse,” the athlete says, explaining how he credits his success to God’s blessing. He advises, “Always put God first because without Him, there would be no Lamar Jackson.”
Q. Was Lamar Jackson a 3 star?
A. ESPN.com and 247Sports gave Jackson a three-star rating, while Rivals.com awarded him four stars.