Lamar Jackson has become one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks to ever play already, and the Baltimore Ravens superstar is now on the verge of history. Just six seasons into his career, Jackson already ranks fourth among quarterbacks with 5,258 rushing yards. He sits just 49 yards behind Russell Wilson (5,307), 373 behind Cam Newton (5,631) and 851 behind Michael Vick (6,109). With Jackson rushing for over 700 yards in each of his five full seasons as a starter, he could very easily break the record within the next two years.
However, that's not Jackson's goal at the moment. As he's always said, team success comes before individual honors.
"I'm trying to get a Super Bowl," Jackson said on "The Lounge" podcast. "If that record comes, so be it. But that's not my goal. If it happens, I'm going to cherish it. Hopefully the record [wouldn't] be broken for a long time from now, but it's not my goal."
Last season, Jackson rushed for 821 yards and five touchdowns, but his attempts per game (9.25) and yards per attempt (5.5) both went down compared to past seasons. That's not necessarily a bad thing, though, as Jackson's doing exactly what it takes to win in Todd Monken's system.
"That's how I always approached it," Jackson said. "Before, we had a run-heavy offense. We had a lot of read-options going on. Now we're throwing the ball down the field. Then we got Derrick Henry, a back that can go for 2,000 yards in a season. So, I probably won't need to use my legs as much."
Jackson's Evolving Role in the Ravens' Offense
The addition of Derrick Henry has significantly shifted the Ravens' offensive dynamic. With a running back known for his power and ability to rack up yards, Jackson can focus on his passing game and utilize his legs strategically. This change in approach is evident in Jackson's reduced rushing attempts and yards per attempt, demonstrating his adaptability and commitment to the team's success.
The Importance of Team Success
Jackson's prioritization of a Super Bowl over individual accolades speaks volumes about his character and leadership qualities. He understands that team success is paramount and that personal achievements are secondary. This mindset is crucial for a quarterback who needs to inspire his teammates and lead them to victory.
Jackson has slimmed down this offseason, though, now sitting closer to the weight he played at earlier in his career at around 200 pounds. So if he has an opportunity to reel off a big run, best believe he's going to take it.
"Like I always say, if I get a lane, I'm trying to score," Jackson said. "I'm not trying to run and go out of bounds to fall. If I have a chance to go, I'm going to go."
The Future of Jackson's Rushing
While Jackson may be less reliant on his rushing abilities this season, it's important to remember his innate talent and desire to make plays. He still has the speed and agility to break off big runs, and he will undoubtedly take advantage of opportunities to showcase his dynamic skills. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Jackson balances his passing and rushing roles, while ultimately aiming for the ultimate prize: a Super Bowl title.
The Ravens' New Era
The Ravens have entered a new chapter with Todd Monken as their offensive coordinator. Monken's system, emphasizing a more balanced attack, has provided Jackson with a fresh perspective and allowed him to evolve as a player. The addition of Derrick Henry adds another dimension to the offense, creating a formidable combination that has the potential to propel the Ravens to new heights.
With a talented roster and a focused Lamar Jackson, the Ravens are poised for success in the upcoming season. Whether Jackson breaks the rushing record or not remains to be seen, but his dedication to team success and his unwavering determination make him a force to be reckoned with.
This article first appeared on Baltimore Ravens on SI and was syndicated with permission.
