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FOX NFL Analyst Sends Scathing Message About Ravens’ Expectations For Lamar Jackson In 2024

Posted on by angelo

Lamar Jackson is under pressure in 2024, according to Fox NFL analyst Mark Schlereth.

On the “Stinkin’ Truth” podcast, Schlereth, a former NFL offensive lineman, defended his recent comments that Jackson is under immense pressure in 2024. Schlereth said Jackson, as a two-time MVP, needs to prove he can win in the playoffs.

“If you’re a two-time MVP and you burn out in the playoffs, then I would say there’s some pressure,” Schlereth said. “You’re good enough to be an MVP in the regular season, and in the playoffs you’re 2-4 as a playoff quarterback. You’re completing 57 percent of your passes as a playoff quarterback. You’ve got six touchdowns and six interceptions. You want to talk about the definition of mediocrity, when it comes to playoff football, Lamar Jackson is mediocre in the playoffs.”

Schlereth then blasted the narrative that the Baltimore Ravens didn’t give Jackson enough offensive weapons.

“I don’t want to hear all of you guys telling me that Lamar Jackson is like, ‘Well, they’re not giving him weapons.’ How many first-round wide receivers should you draft?

“Well, they’re not drafting the right candidate!” Schlereth said mockingly.

“Well, you don’t develop them. Well, how do you develop them? Well, your quarterback has a long way to go developing wide receivers. So I don’t want to hear any more of this crap from you, from any of you Baltimore fans, I’m sick of it. They drafted first-rounders based on talent, they drafted tight ends in the first round, they drafted three different wide receivers since 2018 in the first round.”

Schlereth isn’t wrong about the draft: Since 2018, the Ravens have used first-round picks on tight end Hayden Hurst, wide receiver Marquise Brown, wide receiver Rashod Bateman and wide receiver Zay Flowers.

Brown had success in Baltimore, even posting a 1,000-yard season in 2021. However, he was traded to the Cardinals in a deal that ultimately netted Baltimore All-Pro center Tyler Linderbaum (hard to argue with that).

Flowers had an impressive rookie season as Jackson’s go-to receiver. Bateman, however, has yet to break out with Baltimore and is under pressure to perform in 2024. Hurst played just two seasons with the Ravens, catching 43 passes for 512 yards and five touchdowns.

Schlereth compared the situation to Aaron Rodgers’ situation with the Green Bay Packers, who didn’t draft a first-round receiver during any of Rodgers’ years with the team.

Schlereth then said he’s heard defensive coordinators always say the key to beating Jackson is to make him play from the pocket. Schlereth called Jackson’s play a “weakness” in his game.

The Ravens appear to be looking to help Jackson improve his passing game by giving him more responsibility on offense. And with the addition of Derrick Henry, Jackson has a ground threat like he never had in Baltimore.

Still, Schlereth appears to be contributing to a growing chorus that Jackson’s next step is leading the Ravens to a deep playoff run.

Watch a clip of Schlereth’s comments below: