New NFL ranking correctly exposes the depth of Lamar Jackson's connection to the Ravens

USA Today

4 hours ago

New NFL ranking correctly exposes the depth of Lamar Jackson's connection to the Ravens A recent NFL Ranking says it all about Lamar Jackson and his unbreakable bond with Baltimore and his Ravens family.
Whenever the decision has been made to give someone a nickname like 'Action', the beneficiary had better be able to live up to it. Check that box for two-time MVP Lamar Jackson. He represents both an evolution and a revolution at the quarterback position. The Baltimore Ravens' star quarterback is one of those stars who gives new meaning to the phrase 'worth the price of admission.
Lamar is often praised for his dual-threat ability. Opposing defensive coordinators fear the threat he presents as a scrambler, and rightfully so.
No quarterback in the NFL's history has rushed for more yards in a single season (1,206 in 2019). No quarterback in the game's history has posted more rushing yards for his career. He had tallied 6,173 at last count following the 2024-25 Ravens season.
Sounds scary, right? It should be, but calling Lamar a great athlete playing the quarterback position is an accurate statement, albeit also somewhat shortsighted. It's better to state he's one of the game's best signal-callers who happens to be athletic. Those statements may sound the same, but they relay two different messages.
Lamar's athleticism isn't a mask for his inability to pick teams apart with his arm. He shares pro football's record for most games with a perfect passer rating (four). His tool belt is loaded, and one of the lesser-known but well-established aspects took center stage in a recent ranking released on FOX Sports' platform.
This description of Lamar Jackson and his connection to the Ravens organization paints a perfect picture of Baltimore's chemistry
As the Ravens' offseason transitions from OTAs to mandatory minicamp, Baltimore sets its sights on another run at a third Lombardi Trophy. Lamar's play will have much to say about whether or not that goal is achieved. So will team chemistry and the franchise's culture.
Again, check all of the boxes. Baltimore is all good in that regard. FOX Sports recently ranked the top 11 NFL franchises based on the best marriages between quarterbacks and their teams. What they pieced together shouldn't surprise anyone.
Lamar and company top the list. Here's what Henry McKenna, the writer of this one, listed as his reasoning for giving them that distinction.
"The Ravens and Jackson aren't your typical team-player relationship, but that's what makes them so special. After all, Jackson went 32nd overall in the draft. He wasn't the prototypical passer (that) teams are accustomed to building their offense around. It took a creative and confident coach like John Harbaugh, who could bring in the right coordinator(s) to create an offense for Jackson.
And what an offense they've made together. Last season, Jackson threw for 4,172 yards, 41 touchdowns, and four interceptions while rushing for 915 yards and four touchdowns. Jackson and the Ravens really understand each other."
Rounding out the top five of McKenna's list are Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams, Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles.
Chemistry isn't the only ingredient needed to win a title. Xs and Os are important. Thankfully, the Ravens have blended an impressive balance and mixture.
Great coaching combined with a mix of veteran leadership and youthful energy will produce wins. The bond this team has created and nurtured will get them through the tough times. Buckle up. This has the makings of a special Ravens season.