The Baltimore Ravens star is under tremendous pressure to win the Super Bowl.
The Baltimore Ravens are a team with a rich history of success in the NFL. From their early years in the league to their two Super Bowl victories, the Ravens have built a legacy of toughness, resilience, and excellence. At the heart of this team, especially in recent years, is a star player whose presence and performance have elevated the franchise’s aspirations year after year. That player is none other than Lamar Jackson, the quarterback whose unique skill set, incredible athleticism, and electrifying playmaking ability have made him one of the most exciting and talked-about quarterbacks in the NFL.
However, as the Ravens continue their quest for another Super Bowl victory, Lamar Jackson finds himself under an immense amount of pressure to lead the team to the promised land. With his contract situation looming and the team facing high expectations, the weight of this pressure grows each season. Fans, coaches, and analysts are all watching closely to see if Jackson can guide the Ravens to a Super Bowl, fulfilling his potential and silencing any doubts about his ability to win on the biggest stage.
Lamar Jackson: The Star at the Center of the Storm
Lamar Jackson was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. From the very start, it was clear that Jackson was a unique talent. Unlike most quarterbacks in the league, Jackson brought a level of athleticism and dynamic playmaking ability that had never been seen before. His speed, agility, and ability to make plays with his legs made him an immediate threat. Jackson’s arm strength and accuracy, while often questioned early in his career, quickly improved as he gained more experience in the NFL.
In 2019, Jackson had a breakout season that solidified his place as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks. He won the NFL MVP award after leading the Ravens to a 14-2 record, setting numerous records along the way, including becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season. With Jackson at the helm, the Ravens’ offense became one of the most formidable in the NFL, as they embraced a run-heavy, dynamic scheme that utilized Jackson’s rare talents.
Despite his individual success and the Ravens’ dominance during the regular season, Jackson and the Ravens fell short of their ultimate goal: winning the Super Bowl. In the 2019 playoffs, the Ravens were stunned by the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Divisional Round. It was a devastating loss, particularly given the high expectations surrounding the team that season. The pressure on Jackson intensified as critics began questioning his ability to perform in the postseason.
The 2020 season provided more of the same. While Jackson led the Ravens to another playoff appearance, they once again failed to make it past the divisional round, this time losing to the Buffalo Bills. These early playoff exits have become a cloud that hangs over Jackson’s career, casting doubts about his ability to lead his team to the ultimate prize. Despite his regular-season brilliance, the absence of a Super Bowl victory is an Achilles’ heel that continues to haunt his legacy.
The Pressure to Win
The pressure on Lamar Jackson to win a Super Bowl is multifaceted. First and foremost, Jackson is the face of the franchise. As the starting quarterback, he is expected to carry the team to victory, especially in big moments. Quarterbacks are often judged not only by their individual performances but by their ability to lead their teams to championships. Jackson’s MVP season in 2019 showed that he has the talent to dominate the regular season, but it is his ability to win in the postseason that will ultimately define his career.
Moreover, the Ravens are a proud franchise with a storied history of success. Since their inception in 1996, the Ravens have built a reputation as one of the toughest and most physical teams in the NFL. Under the leadership of head coach John Harbaugh and with the guidance of defensive legends like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, the Ravens have become a franchise that is synonymous with championships. They won Super Bowl XXXV in 2000 and Super Bowl XLVII in 2012, with both victories cementing their status as one of the league’s premier teams. The expectations for the Ravens are always high, and with Jackson at the helm, the pressure to deliver a third Super Bowl title is immense.
Additionally, Jackson’s contract situation adds another layer of pressure. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Jackson is eligible for a lucrative extension, but questions about his long-term future with the Ravens loom large. Some analysts argue that Jackson needs to win a Super Bowl before he can secure a deal that reflects his true value. If the Ravens fall short again this season, it could complicate negotiations and raise doubts about Jackson’s ability to win a championship in the NFL.
The Support Around Lamar Jackson
While the pressure on Jackson is undeniable, it is important to consider the support surrounding him. Over the years, the Ravens have built a solid roster with a strong defense and a powerful running game. However, questions have been raised about the team’s ability to put together a balanced offense that can compete with the league’s best. Jackson’s playmaking ability is undeniable, but the Ravens’ passing game has often been inconsistent, particularly in the postseason.
One of the biggest criticisms of the Ravens’ offense has been their lack of a top-tier receiving corps. While Jackson has had some talented pass-catchers, such as tight end Mark Andrews and wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, the Ravens have not had a true No. 1 wide receiver who can consistently make plays down the field. As a result, Jackson has often been forced to rely on his legs and his improvisation rather than a reliable passing attack.
The Ravens’ front office has made some attempts to improve the receiving corps, but it remains a work in progress. The acquisition of Sammy Watkins in 2021 was a step in the right direction, but there is still work to be done to build a championship-caliber offense around Jackson. For Lamar to succeed, the Ravens must give him the weapons he needs to thrive in the postseason. Without a well-rounded and explosive offense, the pressure on Jackson to carry the team becomes even greater.
Additionally, Jackson’s ability to stay healthy will be crucial in his pursuit of a Super Bowl. Known for his explosive running ability, Jackson is susceptible to injury given the physical nature of his playing style. Over the past few seasons, he has dealt with various injuries, including an ankle sprain and a knee issue, both of which have kept him out of important games. Jackson’s ability to stay on the field and remain healthy will be critical if the Ravens are to make a deep playoff run.
The Legacy of Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson’s legacy as a player will ultimately be defined by whether or not he can win a Super Bowl. While his individual accolades, including the MVP award and his record-breaking seasons, have secured his place among the NFL’s elite, the lack of a championship is a glaring hole in his resume. Jackson’s style of play has revolutionized the quarterback position, and he has proven that a mobile quarterback can lead a team to success in the modern NFL. However, until he can win the ultimate prize, questions will remain about his ability to perform in the postseason.
For Jackson, the pressure to win a Super Bowl is not just about securing his place in NFL history—it is about proving that he is capable of achieving what many of his contemporaries have done before him. Quarterbacks like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Patrick Mahomes have cemented their legacies with multiple Super Bowl victories, and Jackson is no different. The comparisons to these legendary quarterbacks will continue until he can achieve the same level of success on the biggest stage.
For the Ravens, the pursuit of a Super Bowl is not just about one player—it is about the team as a whole. While Jackson is undoubtedly the most important piece, the Ravens have a strong roster that includes one of the best defenses in the NFL and a solid running game. The franchise has all the tools to win a championship, but whether or not they can put everything together when it matters most remains to be seen.
The pressure on Lamar Jackson to win a Super Bowl is immense, and it will continue to grow as the Ravens’ star quarterback enters the prime of his career. While Jackson has proven to be one of the most dynamic and exciting players in the NFL, the lack of postseason success has cast a shadow over his accomplishments. The Ravens are a team with a proud tradition of winning, and Jackson is the key to continuing that legacy.
Whether Jackson can rise to the occasion and deliver a Super Bowl victory remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: the pressure will be on, and the stakes could not be higher. With the Ravens’ future and Jackson’s legacy on the line, the road to a Super Bowl will be a journey filled with both challenges and opportunities. Only time will tell if Lamar Jackson can lead the Ravens to their third Super Bowl title and solidify his place among the NFL’s all-time greats.