The Baltimore Ravens are making a strong case as one of the NFL’s best teams this season, and quarterback Lamar Jackson is at the heart of their success. Jackson has been putting up MVP-level numbers, and his electrifying play has once again made him a legitimate candidate for the league’s highest individual honor.
As the Ravens sit at an 8-4 record, Jackson’s leadership and dynamic performances have fueled their success, making him one of the frontrunners in the MVP race.
Jackson, who previously won the MVP award in 2019, has been a dual-threat nightmare for defenses this season. His ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground has kept opposing teams guessing and has helped the Ravens surge to the top of the standings.
His recent standout performance in the Ravens’ victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday was yet another reminder of his incredible talent. Jackson accounted for three total touchdowns, showcasing his versatility and command of the game.
It was that very performance that prompted New York radio host Sal Licata to make a striking claim during his show on WFAN. Licata, clearly impressed by Jackson’s play, said, “When I watch Lamar Jackson play football – and I was thinking this last night, I said it to myself – he is the best football player that I have ever seen.” Licata’s bold statement immediately sparked reactions from his co-host and fans alike, many of whom were taken aback by the sweeping nature of his declaration.
The claim that Jackson is the best football player Licata has ever seen drew mixed reactions, with some fans agreeing while others were quick to point out other players they felt were more deserving of such praise. “Better than Patrick Mahomes? Better than Josh Allen? This is a tough one to chew on,” one fan responded, highlighting the stiff competition Jackson faces in the conversation of the league’s best quarterbacks.
Another fan chimed in with a sarcastic remark, “I guess Brady & Mahomes played cricket,” referencing Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes as players who, in their eyes, were clearly superior to Jackson.
The comparison to Mahomes, who has already established himself as one of the game’s greats with multiple Super Bowl appearances and an MVP award, was a common theme among fans who felt that Licata’s praise of Jackson may have been premature.
However, some fans were willing to recognize Jackson’s unique skill set and contributions to the game. “He can throw like an elite quarterback, run like a Pro Bowl running back, and has the speed of a top-tier wide receiver. Best football player ever? Don’t know about that, but definitely one of the best overall talents in NFL history, no doubt,” one fan remarked, acknowledging Jackson’s rare combination of athleticism and playmaking ability.
Not everyone was convinced, though, as some pointed to Jackson’s struggles in critical moments as a reason to pump the brakes on Licata’s lofty praise. “He’s a running back with a great arm. He’s good, don’t get me wrong, but in big spots, he comes up short. Look at that career playoff record and stats,” one fan said, referencing Jackson’s inconsistency in the postseason.
“Absurd. He loses to Mahomes almost every year. Jackson is a fine player, but he never wins big games. Until he does, he’s not in the conversation,” another fan noted, highlighting Jackson’s struggles to get past top-tier competition, especially in the playoffs.
For many critics, Jackson’s lack of playoff success remains a significant obstacle preventing him from being seen on the same level as players like Mahomes and Josh Allen.
“He’s not even the top 3 QBs right now,” another fan added, suggesting that there are other quarterbacks currently performing at a higher level than Jackson.
Despite these criticisms, it’s clear that Jackson has done enough to win over supporters like Licata, and he remains a strong candidate in the MVP race.
As the season progresses, Lamar Jackson will have the opportunity to prove his critics wrong. While his individual success and MVP-level performances are undeniable, the question remains whether he can translate that success into deep playoff runs and signature wins against his peers.
If Jackson can elevate his game in the postseason and lead the Ravens to victory against the likes of Mahomes and Allen, he may finally earn the level of respect that his talent deserves. Until then, the debate over whether he is the “best football player ever” will continue to rage on, with opinions as divided as ever.
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