Lamar Jackson is coming off the best statistical season as a passer in his career. Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken believes the former ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷ÍøMVP can soar even higher.
"The year that he had, I think he's still just scratching the surface of where he's headed," Monken said on "The Lounge" podcast, . "It may not statistically show up that way, but I know he's only scratching the surface."
Jackson threw for 4,172 yards with 41 touchdowns and a quarterback rating of 119.6, all career-highs, while tossing just four interceptions. His pocket operation improved, and he showed he could dissect a defense when needed and not just rely on his superpower running ability.
The 28-year-old quarterback has improved each season under Monken, who expects that trend to continue.
"Lamar is an unbelievably humble superstar," Monken said. "That doesn't mean he's not competitive, doesn't want to be great. Lamar just wants to win. But he also knows that him playing well … your chances of winning go up exponentially if you have a great quarterback."
The reality for Jackson is that while he's unquestionably a top-five quarterback, questions will persist until he finally slays that Patrick Mahomes playoff demon. It's the same issue that plagues fellow AFC quarterback Josh Allen.
Allen won the ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷ÍøMVP in 2024 despite Jackson being named the first-team All-Pro quarterback and putting up a better statistical season than he did during either of his first two MVP years. Monken dismissed the debates about who should have been given the hardware.
"Comparison is the thief of joy," Monken said. "Why can't people just be great? Lamar was very deserving. Josh Allen was very deserving. Joe Burrow had a great year. Saquon Barkley had a great year. Derrick Henry had a great year. There's offensive linemen that have great years that aren't ever talked about."
Amen, Todd. Amen.
