Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes see each other as rivals, says Sammy Watkins
Sammy Watkins put Lamar Jackson into hot waters today. The Baltimore Ravens wide receiver told journalist Jamison Hensley that Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs was not about him and Patrick Mahomes, but about Mahomes and Jackson. Watkins also claimed that Jackson and the Chiefs' superstar see each other as rivals.
According to Watkins, things between the two quarterbacks are not exactly as the two portray in the media.
Watkins said in the same interview:
"I think those guys definitely view it that way. You can say you're not, but the world is watching two of the best, youngest MVPs in the league and very talented guys. I'm definitely looking at it that way, like, man, Lamar needs to win. He's been doing a great job in this league with how he's carrying himself as a teammate and as a guy that does the right things off the field. I just think it's time for him to take that next hump and try to get a win, and I hope this team, we prepare, and the coaches prepare to do our best to will a win for the organization and him."
One big positive for the Ravens last night: Sammy Watkins had his most yards in a regular-season game (96) since the 2019 season opener. https://t.co/bIzGOirACE
Sammy Watkins on Jackson vs. Mahomes
Watkins' words carry particular weight because the veteran wide receiver played three seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs before moving to Baltimore.
Having played for both sides, Watkins knows what both quarterbacks think and how they see the rivalry.
The Kansas City Chiefs are seven minutes and 33 seconds from the Super Bowl.
Mahomes to Sammy Watkins gives the Chiefs a 35-17 lead. https://t.co/nlX2SPjJQh
Jackson vs. Mahomes
Even though Jackson called the Chiefs "our kryptonite," a better possessive determiner for him to use would be "my."
Jackson's numbers against Mahomes and the Chiefs are dreadful. He is 0-3 (30-5 against other franchises), with only a 52.6 percent passing completion rate. Jackson averages just 170.3 passing yards against the Chiefs and has thrown for only three touchdowns. In his media availability ahead of Sunday's clash, Jackson said:
"They did beat us three times or whatever, but that's in the past. I'm not dwelling on those losses. We're coming in Sunday night, and we're going to play."
There may be a rivalry between the two former MVPs, but if there is going to be a true rivalry between them, Jackson and the Ravens must find a way to beat Mahomes and the Chiefs.
Otherwise, it is not much of a rivalry. Right now, Mahomes owns Jackson on the field.