Lamar Jackson’s incredible talent has never been in doubt. Since he entered the NFL as the 32nd overall pick in the 2018 draft, he has captured the attention of fans, analysts, and players alike with his electrifying playstyle. His MVP season in 2019 proved to the world that he wasn’t just a flash in the pan, and now, in 2024, he’s once again a frontrunner in the MVP race, leading the Baltimore Ravens with remarkable performances week in and week out.
However, as Lamar Jackson puts up record-breaking numbers, throws dart-like passes, and dazzles with his rushing ability, it’s important for the Ravens to stay focused on the bigger picture. The MVP race, while a prestigious individual accolade, should not become the sole priority or an overriding distraction for Jackson and the Ravens as a team. The ultimate goal for this franchise, like all others, is to win the Super Bowl, and in order to do that, Baltimore must stay grounded and avoid letting personal accolades get in the way of their championship aspirations.
Lamar Jackson’s MVP Candidacy
There’s no doubt that Jackson has been outstanding in 2024. He continues to showcase the rare combination of a powerful arm and explosive legs that make him one of the most unique players in NFL history. His ability to throw pinpoint passes and make defenders miss in the open field is a spectacle every week. Jackson’s MVP candidacy is built on the same qualities that led him to a unanimous MVP award in 2019, but this time, the stakes are higher.
Jackson has kept the Ravens in the hunt for a top playoff spot, leading the team through a challenging AFC North division while breaking personal and NFL records along the way. He’s playing with confidence, his throwing mechanics are more refined, and he continues to display the innate ability to create plays when things break down. The Ravens’ offense has revolved around Jackson’s dynamic playmaking, making them one of the most difficult teams to game plan for.
But here’s where the story takes a turn. While the MVP award would be a feather in Jackson’s cap, it’s crucial that the Ravens don’t lose sight of what really matters in this season: competing for the Super Bowl. The long-term goal has always been to win a championship, and it is a goal that has eluded Jackson and the Ravens so far. The journey to that Lombardi Trophy is much more complex than an individual award.
Balancing Individual Glory and Team Success
At the heart of the Ravens’ success lies their team-oriented mentality. Head coach John Harbaugh has always prioritized cohesion, discipline, and a collective effort. The Ravens’ formula for success isn’t built on a single player’s accolades but on an offense and defense working in harmony to overcome their opponents. While Jackson is undeniably the centerpiece of the team, it’s vital that he and the entire franchise remember that the ultimate prize isn’t the MVP trophy — it’s the Super Bowl.
One of the main dangers of focusing too much on the MVP race is that it can lead to a skewed sense of priorities. Jackson, despite his greatness, cannot carry the entire load himself. The Ravens’ defense, offensive line, special teams, and supporting players must all come together to achieve their goal. If Jackson becomes too preoccupied with his personal numbers or playing to secure individual awards, it could detract from his ability to operate as part of a larger team effort. The team’s success hinges on balancing individual talent with collective execution.
The Ravens’ offense has grown more dynamic in recent years, but it remains built around Jackson’s dual-threat ability. The coaching staff has tailored the system to make the most out of his unique skills, but they have also integrated key players like running back J.K. Dobbins, wide receiver Zay Flowers, and tight end Mark Andrews to ensure that the team doesn’t become one-dimensional. For Jackson to continue thriving, he needs the right pieces around him. His MVP-level play is important, but it’s only one piece of a much larger puzzle.
Avoiding Overload and Staying Healthy
One of the most critical factors in Jackson’s MVP bid is his health. As a mobile quarterback, Jackson is always susceptible to hits in a way that pocket passers are not. Throughout his career, he has been able to avoid serious injuries, but that doesn’t mean the risk isn’t there. The Ravens need to ensure that Jackson remains healthy and fresh throughout the season and into the playoffs. Overworking him, whether through excessive rushing or placing too much of the offensive burden on his shoulders, can increase the risk of injury and fatigue.
Jackson’s health is of paramount importance not just for his MVP campaign but for the long-term success of the team. The Ravens have a solid backup in Tyler Huntley, but there’s no substitute for Jackson’s unique skill set. The MVP race, while tempting, should not push the Ravens to make decisions that would jeopardize Jackson’s ability to stay on the field for the entirety of the season. A balanced approach is key — getting Jackson the right number of touches without overloading him.
Super Bowl Contention Must Remain the Goal
The Ravens’ history is steeped in championship contention. The team has won two Super Bowls (XXXV and XLVII), and while they’ve been in the playoff picture consistently, they have not reached the pinnacle in recent years. Lamar Jackson, despite his individual success, has yet to capture a Super Bowl ring, and that should be the driving force behind everything the team does. The MVP award, while an outstanding individual honor, will ring hollow if it’s not followed by team success on the grandest stage.
If Baltimore allows Jackson’s MVP candidacy to take center stage, it risks losing sight of what really matters: team success. The postseason grind is a different beast than the regular season, and it requires full focus from every player, not just the star quarterback. While it’s crucial for Jackson to continue playing at a high level, the Ravens must focus on building a well-rounded roster that can win in every phase of the game.
The team has a defense that, on any given day, can shut down the opposition. The offense, while built around Jackson, needs to be flexible enough to adapt and keep defenses guessing. The special teams, often an afterthought for other teams, could play a crucial role in getting the Ravens into the postseason and beyond.
Conclusion
Lamar Jackson’s MVP bid is just another chapter in the story of an incredible career, but it’s important for both him and the Baltimore Ravens to keep their eyes on the ultimate prize. The Super Bowl is what matters most. An MVP trophy may shine brightly on the mantle, but a championship ring is the true mark of greatness in the NFL.
Jackson’s journey to an MVP award and the Ravens’ pursuit of the Lombardi Trophy need to coexist, but the latter should always take precedence. Individual accolades should never detract from the team’s collective goal. For the Ravens, this season is about much more than Jackson’s impressive numbers — it’s about building a Super Bowl contender and finishing the job that has eluded them in recent years. The path to the championship is one of teamwork, health, and discipline. If Lamar Jackson and the Ravens stay focused on the team’s ultimate mission, the MVP award could come naturally — but the real goal remains within reach: Super Bowl glory.