Lamar Jackson's greatness is further confirmed in two revealing metrics
The defense improved steadily under Zach Orr during his first run as defensive coordinator. He's back, and he has some talent to work with, everyone from veteran Roquan Smith on down to rookie Malaki Starks.
On a roster this loaded, it can become easy to lock in on one or two guys and forget the other stars. That isn't true of Lamar Jackson, however. The two-time MVP is always a topic of discussion, and recently, he took center stage in a recent write-up by Pro Football Focus.
PFF gives Lamar Jackson top billing with a recent take on QB dominance
The eyeball test never fails, but there are also times when statistics and data add a little cherry on top. PFF is one of the kings in the latter category. Some are fans. Others aren't. All can find ways to create conversations about what they said.
One of their recent studies focuses on the NFL's best quarterbacks against every type of coverage. Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Burrow is the game's best vs. Cover 1 and Cover 2. Lamar Jackson steals the show, dominating in three of the essential categories.
Baltimore's signal-caller earns top mentions and a passing grade of 91.0 vs. Cover 3. He also leads all NFL passers with grades of 92.5 and 90.0 vs. Cover 6 and in Red Zone situations. He's always dangerous when creating as a scrambler, but PFF proves he's just as deadly with his arm.
"Jackson was unstoppable to defend on any blade of grass, and that extended to inside the opponent's 20-yard line. The Baltimore dynamo earned the highest PFF passing grade against red-zone looks by almost a full five points ahead of Justin Herbert (85.1) in second place. It's not shocking to learn that Jackson wasn't tagged with a turnover-worthy play against red-zone looks, either."
Still not convinced? Here's more if you still have any doubts.
"Just 25 quarterbacks confronted 15 or more 'red-zone' coverage looks last season, which was used as the baseline minimum. This coverage type is more amorphous because of safeties and cornerbacks being unable to establish as much depth with their backs closer to the goal line, but it still reveals useful information."
Two other signal-callers are mentioned. Jayden Daniels, now entering his second year, received the highest grade vs. Cover 0 (91.0). Matthew Stafford, who suddenly feels like a potential future Pro Football Hall of Famer, earned the top grade vs. Cover 4 with a mark of 83.6.
All of that has been said to say this. In a world where Lamar Jackson haters still exist, it's nice to see many respected platforms provide some balance. Year eight begins for the two-time MVP. The goal is simple. Get to Santa Clara, and win this whole thing. It's time to give Baltimore that third Lombardi Trophy.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: New PFF stats further prove the full scope of Lamar Jackson's impact
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