Lamar Jackson Is the Most Talented Quarterback in NFL, Argues Stephen A. Smith

At 28, Lamar Jackson is entering his eighth season in the NFL, looking for the final piece in filling the jigsaw puzzle of his NFL career.

Lamar Jackson Is the Most Talented Quarterback in NFL, Argues Stephen A. Smith

Lamar Jackson, Stephen A. Smith (images via Baltimore Ravens/Getty Images)

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The billion-dollar and multi-million-dollar world of the National Football League demands a certain level of talent and world-class standards. These criteria make for some serious skills across the league, making being the best a competition for the ages.

There’s no shortage of quarterback talent in the modern NFL. There’s the laser-armed Patrick Mahomes, leading the Kansas City Chiefs, the precision maestro Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, and many more down the lane. But, who’s the best? If one asks ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, he has a short answer: Lamar Jackson.

Smith believes the Baltimore Ravens quarterback is the most talented quarterback to ever play the position. Not the best thrower. Not the winningest. But the most gifted all-around quarterback the NFL has ever seen.

For several seasons, Jackson has captivated audiences with a rare blend of athleticism and playmaking ability that defies conventional expectations for the position. A two-time NFL Most Valuable Player, Jackson has become synonymous with electrifying runs, elusive footwork, and game-changing speed. The multifaceted skillset is what puts him ahead of the most, according to Smith. He said on First Take:

Specifically, as a thrower of the football, I do not think he is the best. But… there’s never been an all-around talent at the quarterback position that equals Lamar Jackson. He is, without question, the best.

The key area of complaint that the quarterback has faced throughout his career is the lack of postseason success. Since becoming the Ravens’ full-time starter in 2019, Jackson has led the team to three AFC North titles and two No. 1 seeds in the AFC. But his playoff record, 3-5 losses, is not ideal for someone considered the best in the position.

However, Smith doesn’t want that clouding his domination of the position. He argued that Jackson’s postseason shortfalls aren’t reflective of a lack of talent but rather represent the final box he has yet to check.

Smith also fended off the criticism regarding Jackson’s reliance on his legs and his early hesitancy in the pocket. He claimed that the numbers Jackson posted in 2024 have proved the naysayers wrong on that account.

Lamar Jackson focused on the present, not chasing hype

Lamar Jackson knows that his postseason numbers aren’t glitzy, and he still has to win a ring. However, he has chosen to focus on the present, not the future. Jackson recently admitted that he doesn’t want to think that far yet. He mentioned that there’s always a big talk about the Baltimore Ravens winning the title, which ends in despair.

Lamar Jackson
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (Image via Athlon Sports)

To be honest, I’m really not trying to think that far [ahead], because every time we had those discussions, man, we get to the playoffs, but we don’t punch in. We don’t finish, so I’m pretty much just trying to finish camp the correct way and then get ready for the [Buffalo] Bills. I’m not really trying to think about the Super Bowl yet.

Still, the tide might finally be turning. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Ravens are the current favorites to win Super Bowl LX, with odds of +650. That puts them just ahead of the Buffalo Bills and signals a growing belief in Jackson’s ability to finally finish what he starts.

The Ravens start their preseason against the Indianapolis Colts on 8th August at their home ground before leaving for an away trip. They will play the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders, after which they will set their path to Buffalo. The Ravens start their campaign against the Bills, who kicked them out of the tournament last year.

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