Lamar Jackson, of the Baltimore Ravens, has long been regarded as the NFL’s top dual-threat quarterback, a title he’s held since entering the league in 2018. But while his rushing ability often steals the spotlight, his progress as a passer has been consistently overlooked.
Jackson isn’t just the best dual-threat quarterback; he’s one of the league’s best, period. His development in the pocket and as a passer shows how misguided it is to undervalue him simply because he’s also an elite runner.
In last week’s thriller against the Cincinnati Bengals, Jackson reminded everyone of his complete game. He led the Ravens to a thrilling 41-38 overtime win in Cincinnati, earning AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. This wasn’t about his legs; Jackson threw for 348 yards and four touchdowns without an interception, cementing his role as a top-tier passer.
Jackson’s 26 completions on 42 attempts showcased his poise in the pocket. The Bengals’ defense had no answers, as Jackson picked them apart with precision, making even the toughest throws look effortless.
For those who still can’t shake the idea Jackson is just a dual-threat quarterback, the advanced stats tell a different story. His performance so far this season proves he’s much more than a runner.
Lamar Jackson is so much more than a dual-threat quarterback
Jackson is dismantling the outdated narrative with his play this season. He leads the NFL with a 0.35 Tight Window Throw Open Rate and 0.25 Tight Window Percentage, numbers that demonstrate his ability to consistently deliver accurate passes into tight coverage, a hallmark of elite pocket passers.
These stats highlight his growth in reading defenses and making precise throws, even in difficult situations. Combined with his natural athleticism, Jackson has become the complete package, guiding the Ravens’ offense to the top spot.
Jackson’s arm is proving just as dangerous as his legs.
Not only is Jackson excelling in threading the needle, but according to Pro Football Focus, he’s also the fourth-highest-graded quarterback on intermediate throws (10+ yards). That’s higher than other big names like Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, proving Jackson belongs in the conversation with the league’s best passers.
So why not give Jackson the credit he deserves? Why continue to push an inaccurate narrative?
The critics who still label Jackson as a dual-threat quarterback are missing the point. Yes, he’s the best rushing QB in the game, but he’s also an elite passer. These two things aren’t mutually exclusive. Underestimating Jackson’s evolution as a quarterback does a disservice to his growth. His AFC Offensive Player of the Week honor wasn’t about his legs, it was about his performance as a signal-caller.
It’s time to acknowledge Jackson for what he truly is: one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.