NFL coaches admit they were wrong about one part of Lamar Jackson’s game originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Lamar Jackson remains in the top five of ESPN’s quarterback rankings this year. However, the focus has changed from his running ability to his improvement in throwing the ball. Coaches and scouts now highlight how much better he has become as a passer.
NFL evaluators say Lamar Jackson has taken a step forward as a passer
Jackson was voted the 5th best quarterback in ESPN’s yearly list. People who study the game say his running is still amazing. However, they also noted that he is now a much better passer, which makes it harder for rival teams to plan against the Ravens.
One NFL defensive coach pointed to the difference between facing Jackson now compared with earlier in his career. “He’s more of a complete passer,” the coach said. “I really didn’t respect the passing game as much before in his career, but the last time we played him, he was much better. He can dice you up.”
That improvement has changed how Jackson is viewed around the league. Once questioned for his consistency from the pocket, he recorded his first 4,000-yard passing season in 2024 before leading the NFL with 13.3 yards per completion last season.
Jackson remains one of the league’s most dangerous runners as well. His 6,522 career rushing yards are the most by any player with at least 1,000 career passing yards, although his rushing production declined in 2025 compared with previous seasons.
Some football experts believe Baltimore’s offense will continue to improve. One team director wondered whether the Ravens would let Jackson run less as he gets closer to 30. Instead, the team might use new ways to run the ball under their new playcaller Declan Doyle.
Durability also remains part of the discussion after Jackson missed at least four games in three of the past five seasons. Even so, one NFL personnel evaluator expects another strong campaign, saying, “I expect him to have a big year.”
The latest rankings show that Jackson’s passing has become just as important to his standing as the running ability that first made him one of the NFL’s most unique quarterbacks.
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