NFL analyst believes Lamar Jackson-Patrick Mahomes rivalry compares directly to Tom Brady rivalry
Both Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes came into the NFL around the same time, and since then, the two have developed a rivalry. Last year's AFC Championship showdown was the biggest flashpoint yet, but with still well over a decade left potentially in both players' careers, there are many more battles likely to come.
The AFC seemingly just went through something like this in the past, although it has been a decade since one of the two parties of the rivalry hung up their helmet. Speaking on Friday's edition of "Get Up," NFL analyst Bart Scott compared the Jackson-Mahomes rivalry to the Brady-Manning rivalry from roughly 2000-2015 (9:51):
"Right now, Lamar Jackson is Peyton Manning and Patrick Mahomes is Tom Brady. And I think [Jackson is] going to start getting that narrative because he doesn't have the supporting cast on the defensive side of the ball."
Jackson's defense currently ranks in last place in the NFL in average passing yards allowed per game and it isn't close. The Ravens defense is surrendering about 30 yards more to quarterbacks per game on average.
That's enough yardage for an opposing offense to go from their 35-yard line to field-goal range one time every game, and that is just the difference between the Ravens and the 31st-best defense in the category.
Peyton Manning comparison forecasts new heights for Lamar Jackson
If the comparison holds for Lamar Jackson, then he will eventually win a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens. He should also go on to join a different franchise and get to two different Super Bowls. Additionally, should Jackson continue on the trajectory of Manning, he will also score at least 55 touchdown passes in a future season.
Put simply, the list of accomplishments for the 27-year-old quarterback has hardly begun, if he is to eventually be compared to Peyton Manning. The bar is sky-high and run-heavy quarterbacks such as Lamar Jackson are inherently in more danger than pocket quarterbacks such as Manning.
However, if the Ravens quarterback wants to keep the momentum on the Peyton Manning comparisons, he will need to get to his first Super Bowl to match former mentor Joe Flacco's biggest accomplishment first.
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Get Up" and H/T Sportskeeda.