NFL analyst claims Lamar Jackson was overhyped in 2023
Lamar Jackson delivered the Ravens their best season since Joe Flacco won the Super Bowl in 2012. However, despite all that he accomplished last season, one NFL analyst has claimed that he didn't live up to expectations.
Speaking on Wednesday's edition of "Get Up," Kimberly A. Martin was asked whether it was fact or fiction that Jackson's team was going to reach the Big Game.
"[0:18] I'm going to say fiction because last year was the year that Lamar was supposed to win it. Listen, Joe Burrow's back. He's healthy. Last year, the Chiefs were down and somehow managed to figure out how to beat the Ravens at home on the road. I think this year tougher competition. I don't see the Ravens getting to the Super Bowl," Martin said.
The Ravens and their fans now have some bulletin board material for the season. One tactic often employed by players and coaches is to use the doubters as motivation and this might be the clearest source for Jackson. To prove her wrong, the Ravens will need to go deeper in the postseason than they ever have in the Jackson era by finally breaking through Patrick Mahomes.
Lamar Jackson handed early opportunity to put NFL fans on notice in season opener
With the season in clear view now, Jackson will perhaps have his best opportunity in the regular season to prove doubters wrong. After losing to Patrick Mahomes in the AFC Championship in January, he will start the season on September 5 with the biggest early-season spotlight of the year.
It might be an even tougher contest though for the Baltimore Ravens as they will travel to Kansas City to face the Chiefs in their building. Last season, the Ravens had home-field advantage. Still, winning in Kansas City with the entire NFL fanbase watching would be a massive counterargument to Martin's doubts.
Of course, with another 16 games to follow not including the playoffs, anything can happen which could knock the Ravens off course.
However, Ravens fans now will be armed with Derrick Henry as the team's only major addition. Could it be enough to put their team over the top?