Believing the Hype
A mere two years ago Baltimore Ravens Quarterback Lamar Jackson was deemed to be nothing less than the second coming... a premier quarterback in a league with all the greats. His ability to scramble and run made him seemingly unstopable. His throwing game was average at best, but was made better by his ability to run. And being new on the NFL scene, other teams had not figured out how to counter act running ability. The Sports media sang his praises on every turn. Classifying him as an "elite quarterback".
Flash forward the past two years. As in the past, running quarterbacks eventually get hurt, usually repeatedly... greatly affecting their overall performance. Jackson was no exception having NOT completed the last two seasons. Plus the other teams clearly got him figured out. So even when he played, his performance was much less than before. More pressure to have a better throwing game offered no better results. Clearly and noticeably the sports media has long dropped his status and the expectation of him being an "Elite quarterback".
So... Here we are today. Jackson expecting "elite pay" with a history of getting hurt the last two seasons, less effectiveness running the ball, and clearly a lack of passing performance. And a guarantee of pay even if injured. Holding out from a new contract to get what he wants. Running quarterbacks have a short playing life expectancy.
So... I have a hard time seeing the Ravens position of a "due or die" efforts to keep Jackson. He might get healthy, he might regain a elevated ability... he might be a smarter passer. The probability of a positive outcome is at best... wushful thinking.
And extremely tired of all the turmoil and hype about him holding out on a contract.
Time to explore other options? Clearly the answer is yes. Another indicator is the growing list of teams that are NOT interested in him... not even desperate teams remain interested. That tells you something... something that the die hard Jackson fans ignore... reality.
As for me... It's time to say goodbye and develop other options!
This works for me.
