Lamar Jackson, the dynamic quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, has redefined the role of a quarterback in the NFL through his exceptional rushing abilities. His unique running style has turned him into a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Many regard Jackson as the best overall rushing quarterback in NFL history. His unmatched capacity to make plays with his legs stands out, and he has set numerous records since entering the league in 2018.
Jackson became the fastest quarterback in NFL history to reach 5,000 career rushing yards, surpassing Michael Vick in 22 fewer games. He is the only quarterback to have multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons, achieving this milestone in consecutive years (2019 and 2020).
In 2019, Jackson set the single-season record for quarterback rushing yards (1,206) and carries (176). Additionally, he holds the record for the most 100-yard rushing games by a quarterback, with 12 such games.
Lamar Jackson excels in designed running plays, created specifically for him to carry the ball. This makes him the league’s leading designed runner. Unlike other quarterbacks who scramble as a last resort, Jackson typically executes his runs with precision.
Jackson derives a significant portion of his rushing success from running to the edges of the defense. He performs notably better when running outside, leveraging his speed and agility to outmaneuver defenders. In fact, 49% of his career rushing attempts have been around the end, accounting for 54.5% of his rushing yards and 25 of his 30 rushing touchdowns.
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Lamar Jackson Is Changing The Game With His Running And Passing Skills
Jackson’s running style is often compared to that of a running back. His repertoire includes a whirlwind of jukes, fakes, spins, and changes of direction, making him extremely difficult for defenders to tackle. This running back-like ability allows him to create plays from seemingly nowhere, consistently gaining substantial yardage.
Lamar Jackson’s statistics show his significant impact on the field. Since entering the NFL, he has amassed 5,512 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns, averaging 61.9 yards per game, which shows his consistency and dominance as a rusher. In 2019, he scored 7 rushing touchdowns and gained 1,206 rushing yards at an average of 6.9 yards per carry.
The following year, he again recorded 7 rushing touchdowns and 1,005 rushing yards with an average of 6.3 yards per carry. His performance has remained impressive, with notable statistics such as 821 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns in 2023.
While Jackson is primarily known for his rushing capabilities, he is also a proficient passer. This dual-threat capability renders him even more dangerous, as defenses cannot focus solely on containing his runs.
His ability to perform in crucial moments, coupled with improved decision-making mechanics, has made him a more polished and versatile quarterback, which is why he is loved by many.
In the 2024 season, Lamar Jackson boasts a completion percentage of 65.6% and averages 234.0 passing yards per game, further proving his dual-threat nature. His passer rating of 95.7, along with his ability to score both passing and rushing touchdowns, positions him as a formidable opponent for any defense.
Also Read: VIDEO: Cameras Caught Lamar Jackson Accusing The Refs Of “Cheating” The Ravens