Lamar Jackson’s ascendancy as one of the most dynamic and electrifying quarterbacks in the NFL has been remarkable. In just three short seasons as the Baltimore Ravens’ franchise signal-caller, Jackson has already earned a league MVP award and established himself as a perennial Super Bowl contender.
His success has not gone unnoticed—even by one of his biggest rivals. In a recent interview, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers identified one subtle change he believes is making Jackson even better in 2021.
“I think it’s the little things he’s doing,” Rodgers said when asked what he’s seen from Jackson this season. “He’s getting rid of the ball quicker, he’s making the right reads and he’s doing a great job of staying in the pocket when he needs to. I think those subtle changes have really helped him become a more efficient and successful quarterback.”
Rodgers is right. Jackson’s ability to get rid of the ball quickly and accurately has been a key component of the Ravens’ success this season. His completion percentage has skyrocketed from 58.2 percent in 2019 to 68.4 percent, and he has already thrown for over 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns in just eight games.
But Jackson’s ability to stay in the pocket has been just as impressive. He has been sacked just six times this season—a marked improvement from the 34 sacks he took in 2019.
The increased pocket awareness has allowed Jackson to find his receivers downfield and make big plays. He already has 24 passing plays of 20 yards or more (tied for sixth in the NFL) and is averaging 8.3 yards per attempt (third in the NFL).
This newfound confidence in the pocket has also allowed Jackson to be more creative and take more risks downfield. He has been playing with a swagger that Ravens fans haven’t seen since the days of Joe Flacco.
The improvement in Jackson’s pocket presence has been a major factor in the Ravens’ success this season. With his newfound confidence, Jackson has been able to make the most of the weapons around him and lead the Ravens to a 7-1 record and the top spot in the AFC North.
Aaron Rodgers’ assessment is spot on. Jackson’s improvements in the pocket have been subtle, but they have made a big difference in the way he’s been able to play this season. If he continues to make the right decisions and stay in the pocket, there’s no telling how far the Ravens can go.