Lamar Jackson, the quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, has officially been named a finalist for both the Associated Press NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year awards, capping off an impressive season.
After months of speculation, Jackson’s remarkable performance has earned him a spot among the league’s elite, showcasing his ability to elevate his team and set new milestones.
Jackson played a crucial role in leading the Ravens to their second consecutive AFC North title. Along the way, he achieved career highs in multiple categories, including passing yards, touchdowns, quarterback rating, and completions. He passed for 4,172 yards, threw 41 touchdown passes, and posted a career-best 119.6 passer rating, cementing his place as one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL.
In addition to his passing achievements, Jackson demonstrated his dual-threat capabilities. He led all quarterbacks in rushing with 915 yards and became the first player in NFL history to achieve both 4,000 passing yards and 800 rushing yards in a single season. His ability to make plays with both his arm and legs was a key factor in his team’s success.
Jackson’s performance also secured his place in history, as he surpassed Michael Vick’s record for career rushing yards by a quarterback. Jackson now holds the all-time rushing record for quarterbacks with 6,173 yards, a testament to his unique skill set and groundbreaking ability to combine passing and running.
While Jackson had a standout season, he is not the only player to have earned recognition. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen also made a strong case for the MVP award, helping the Bills secure their fifth consecutive AFC East title. Allen passed for 3,731 yards, 28 touchdowns, and six interceptions, with a passer rating of 101.4. Additionally, he added 531 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns to his impressive total.
Another notable player in the MVP conversation is Saquon Barkley, running back for the Philadelphia Eagles. Barkley rushed for 2,005 yards, the eighth-highest total in NFL history, and played a key role in helping the Eagles win the NFC East. He sat out the final game of the regular season, needing just 101 yards to break Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record. Despite missing out on that record, Barkley’s contributions were vital in helping the Eagles reach the conference championship game.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff also put up impressive numbers, throwing for 4,629 yards, 37 touchdowns, and just nine interceptions. Goff led the Lions to the No. 1 seed in the NFC, though their playoff run ended in the divisional round at the hands of Washington.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, while leading the league in passing with 4,918 yards and 43 touchdowns, had a less fortunate season. Despite his individual success, the Bengals finished with a 9-8 record, falling short of a playoff berth.
Jackson’s performance has been especially impressive considering the historical nature of his accomplishments. His ability to pass and run at such a high level has set a new standard for dual-threat quarterbacks in the NFL, and his nomination for both MVP and Offensive Player of the Year is a fitting recognition of his remarkable season.
As the league prepares for the awards announcements, Jackson’s place as a finalist highlights his extraordinary impact on the field and his ongoing legacy as one of the most exciting and dynamic players in the game.
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