There was a time when NFL scouts and analysts actually doubted Lamar Jackson.
At least, they doubted him as a passer.
Some urged Jackson to switch positions and play running back or wide receiver, and he even slipped in the NFL draft.
Jackson always claimed that he was a quarterback first and foremost, and even though he was at times a better scrambler and runner than a passer, he repeatedly stated that he liked to be a passer.
He’s clearly come a long way from those days.
Jackson has put in a lot of work on his passing over the years, and it’s showing.
As a matter of fact, he had the highest PFF grade among all NFL QBs last season on intermediate throws — which are throws for 10-19 yards — with 95.5.
The best QBs at intermediate passes in 2023 🎯 pic.com/J3IBGFar84
— PFF (@PFF) June 21, 2024
He was followed by Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes, Tua Tagovailoa, and Kirk Cousins.
In his first year under Todd Monken, Jackson was asked to stay in the pocket longer and made big strides as a pocket passer.
Still, it felt like Jackson should’ve reverted to his old self in the AFC Championship Game vs. the Kansas City Chiefs, as he didn’t use his legs as early and as often as his team needed that day.
At the end of the day, Jackson is proving he’s not a one-trick pony or an elite athlete with a subpar arm.
He’s an elite quarterback, and those who still haven’t realized that simply might never open their eyes at this point.
