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The Lamar Jackson era in Baltimore began when the dual-threat quarterback was selected with the last pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. From that point on, Joe Flacco was looking over his shoulder and for good reason. Flacco began 4-5 as a starter in 2018 before going down with an injury. Jackson came in and won six of the Ravens' last seven games. Baltimore ended up as AFC North champions.
Jackson finished the season with 1,201 yards passing and 695 on the ground. He was exposed in the AFC wild card round by the Los Angeles Chargers' defense. The Ravens traded Flacco to the Denver Broncos this offseason.
Jackson is viewed as the future for the Ravens. Heading into 2019, there are high hopes in Baltimore for the team's young quarterback. How big a season can Jackson actually have?
1. Jackson Will Finish in the Top 5 in Rush Yards
There were nine running backs who finished with over 1,000 yards last season. Ezekiel Elliott led the group with 1,434 yards. Jackson came in at 27th on the list with 695 yards. Let's remember, Lamar Jackson started just seven games. He had 28 total carries in the nine games he did not start. From his days at Louisville, Jackson showed his ability to use his legs to outrun defenses. He showed the same burst at the professional level.
Jackson will be on the move a lot next season. It has become part of the Ravens' offense.
The fifth-leading rusher in the NFL last season was Chris Carson with 1,151 yards. Only one quarterback has ever rushed for 1,000 yards in a season. Michael Vick accomplished that feat in 2006. Jackson could become number two on that list this upcoming season.
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2. Ravens Will Win a Playoff Game
During the 2018 playoffs, there was excitement that the Ravens would return to Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots in the divisional round. That did not come to fruition; the Chargers went into Baltimore and punched the Ravens in the mouth. This could be the season in which Lamar Jackson picks up his first career playoff victory.
The Cleveland Browns have basically been crowned division champs with all the moves they have made this offseason. They will be tough, but let's not forget that the Ravens added Earl Thomas. Baltimore will not be forgotten in the AFC North race. Whether as a division champion or a wild card team, the Ravens will once again make the playoffs.
3. Jackson Will Outshine Other AFC North Quarterbacks
This statement will cause some hard feelings, especially in the Cleveland area. Baker Mayfield is seen as the next big thing in the NFL at the quarterback position. He showed signs of blossoming as a rookie and will now have Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry to throw to. Ben Roethlisberger puts up big numbers every season through the air. Not to mention, Big Ben has the rings.
Lamar Jackson will have a full offseason to prepare to be the starter in Baltimore. He was strong in the regular season. He won six of seven down the stretch. He threw just six touchdown passes, but was able to get things done in many ways. If Jackson becomes the second quarterback to rush for 1,000 yards in a single season, it will be hard to say he did not have the best season in the division.
