Lamar Jackson had a hell of a 2019/2020 season. His Ravens went 14-2, he won the NFL's MVP award, and now he's going to be on the cover of Madden NFL 21.
Still, though, Lamar Jackson has his doubters. In fact, I've seen a lot of Steelers fans pooh-pooh Jackson's accomplishments. I brought this up on Twitter yesterday, and well, my hypothesis is correct: Steelers fans don't respect the Ravens' quarterback.
Actually, Jackson threw 36 touchdowns last season (the most in the league.) He also had a higher completion percentage than Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes. His 66.1 percent completion rate was the 8th best in the NFL. Jackson's passer rating was the highest in the NFL among QB's who played in 15 or more games.
So, why are Steelers fans dismissing him?
Ahh, the race thing. You're doing the Bill Polian race thing.
Comparing Kordell Stewart to Lamar Jackson is like comparing my 2009 Kia Rio to the Batmobile. Kordell's 2001 season was dynamite, but there's no comparison here. Stewart's career passer rating was 70.7.
As for Cam Newton, he's 6-5, 245lb. He's a Mack Truck. Lamar Jackson is a Ferrari. The only thing similar between the two players is that they've each won an MVP.
I've already seen him lead the league in touchdowns, passer rating among players who started 15 or more games, and be top-10 in completion percentage. He can throw. He also rushed for 1,200 yards. He's the most dynamic athlete we've ever seen play quarterback.
I can understand why Steelers fans would hope that's the case. Ben Roethlisberger is hanging it up in the near future, the Steelers don't have an heir apparent at QB, and the MVP of the league is 23 and plays for your hated rival.
Just because you want something to be true doesn't mean that it is true. Lamar Jackson is a stud, and the Steelers are going to have to deal with him for years to come. Admitting that doesn't make you any less of a Steelers fan...it just makes you realistic.