Lamar Jackson on the Receiving End of Stray Jabs from Falcons’ Rookie CB

Falcons undrafted free agent cornerback Cobee Bryant claimed Lamar Jackson is the James Harden of the NFL.

Lamar Jackson on the Receiving End of Stray Jabs from Falcons’ Rookie CB

Lamar Jackson (Image via IMAGO)

There’s no denying that Lamar Jackson is a top five quarterback in the NFL. Jackson has won multiple MVP titles since entering the league in 2018 with the Baltimore Ravens.

The Ravens tied Jackson down to a five-year long-term contract, $260 million with $185 million guaranteed, to show their faith in his abilities. He replied with another MVP-caliber year in 2024, only to be pipped by the Bills’ Josh Allen.

Despite the accolades and big-name awards, the Ravens’ cabinet yearns for a Super Bowl. Jackson has nothing much to cheer about besides the three AFC North titles on the mantelpiece.

The Ravens came close to playing in the Super Bowl after reaching the AFC title game in 2023. However, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs had the better of them. It was a similar story the three other times when they were knocked out in the divisional round.

Jackson received a sudden diss on social media this Thursday for his inability to finish the job in the playoffs—a 3-5 record in the postseason. It came from an improbable source.

The Atlanta Falcons cornerback Cobee Bryant shared a morphed poster of Jackson on Instagram. In the graphic, NBA star James Harden wore Jackson’s number eight jersey.

Now, most casuals will be confused by this comparison. But the regulars of both sports don’t need much of a hint to draw comparisons between Harden and the 28-year-old quarterback.

Harden is an 11-time NBA All-Star, a 6-time NBA All-First Team, a three-time NBA scoring champion, and became the MVP in 2018. He has played for five different teams—Oklahoma, Houston, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, and the Clippers—but never won the NBA title. 

Noticed the pattern? Both Jackson and Harden have tasted individual success in their careers, only to fall flat when asked to win the big prize.

On the other hand, Bryant made a bold move by dissing one of the jewels of the NFL right off the bat. Bryant is the same corner who threw a fit after going undrafted this year.

The 23-year-old DB eventually signed a three-year, $3.005 million contract with the Falcons, including a $40,000 signing bonus and $274,000 in guaranteed money.

Despite the snub in the draft, Bryant was among the better corners in college. He was a unanimous First Team All-Big 12 selection while playing for the Kansas Jayhawks.

Lamar Jackson often faces criticism for his playoff performances

Bryant is only the latest to call out Jackson for failing to close games in the playoffs. Several analysts in the past criticized the Louisville graduate for the same reason.

Lamar Jackson on the Receiving End of Stray Jabs from Falcons’ Rookie CB
Lamar Jackson (Image via IMAGO)

Among them was three-time Super Bowl winner turned football guru Mark Schlereth.

[Lamar Jackson’s] performance in the playoffs has just flat out not been good enough. He has not been the same quarterback. This is a two time MVP who’s 2-4 in his playoff experience. His 57% completion percentage is abysmal in today’s game when every rule is bent toward you throwing the football and having success throwing the football. 57% is awful.

Mark Schlereth said on the Breakfast Ball in January

Jackson is on course to become a Hall of Famer because of his two MVP trophies. However, he must win a Super Bowl to enter the same bracket as Mahomes, Tom Brady, and Joe Montana.

Last season indicated that he can still step up a gear when required. Jackson played every game for the Ravens in 2024, going 12-5. He threw 4172 yards (66.7 yards per game), 41 passing touchdowns, just four interceptions, and a passer rating of 119.6 (best in the league). He further added 139 rushes on the ground for 915 yards, 6.6 yards per carry, and four rushing touchdowns.

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