A recent survey conducted by ESPN among executives, coaches, and scouts suggests a shift in perception about Lamar Jackson’s status as a top 10 quarterback in the NFL. Some respondents and Colin Cowherd from Fox Sports Radio have expressed doubts about Jackson’s reliability during critical moments.
Cowherd stated, “I no longer trust Lamar Jackson in a big spot. I’m selling my stock… I’d take Bo Nix today in a fourth-quarter, come-from-behind situation over Lamar.” Cowherd’s list of his top 10 quarterbacks includes Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Caleb Williams, Matthew Stafford, Justin Herbert, Joe Burrow, Sam Darnold, Jared Goff, Jordan Love, and Drake Maye.
Despite the exclusion, Jackson has been a standout in the league over the past seven seasons and has earned two league MVP awards during this time. Many argue that Jackson’s MVP odds this year are higher than many quarterbacks on Cowherd’s list.
There is a counterargument to Jackson’s current status. Last season, Jackson didn’t rank among the top 10 quarterbacks. In 13 starts, he averaged 196.1 passing yards per game and would have been average in touchdown passes had he played 17 games. His rushing yards and touchdowns were also below expectations.
Injuries might have contributed to his performance decline. If healthy, Jackson might return to MVP form this season. However, quarterbacks relying heavily on athleticism, like Jackson, sometimes face challenges as they age.
Jackson’s postseason performance raises further concerns. His playoff record is 3-5 with a completion rate of 60.6%, a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 10-to-7, and a passer rating of 84.6. Cowherd believes Bo Nix showed more clutch ability last season than Jackson.
Questions about Jackson’s health, athleticism, adaptability under a new coaching staff, and commitment to football persist. These concerns don’t apply to quarterbacks such as Mahomes, Allen, Stafford, and Burrow.
The debate revolves around Jackson’s comparison with quarterbacks like Jordan Love, Jared Goff, Jayden Daniels, and Sam Darnold. Until Jackson excels during critical moments, his top 10 status remains uncertain.
Bobby Burack is a writer for OutKick.