Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has been excluded from Colin Cowherd's latest ranking of the NFL's top 10 quarterbacks, a decision attributed to a perceived lack of trust in his ability to perform under pressure.
Cowherd, host of Fox Sports Radio, stated Tuesday that he would no longer rely on Jackson in crucial, late-game scenarios, even going as far as to say he would prefer rookie quarterback Bo Nix in a fourth-quarter comeback situation. This sentiment reflects a growing debate surrounding Jackson's standing among the league's elite signal-callers, despite his two MVP awards.
While Jackson's regular-season dominance has been well-documented, his playoff performance has drawn criticism. His postseason record stands at 3-5, with a 60.6% completion rate, a 10-to-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio, and a passer rating of 84.6. These numbers have led some analysts to question his reliability when the stakes are highest.
Last season, Jackson's statistics showed a dip in production compared to his MVP campaigns. In 13 starts, he averaged 196.1 passing yards per game and recorded 21 touchdown passes, numbers described as roughly league average. His rushing numbers also declined, with 349 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
Questions surrounding Jackson's future also include concerns about his durability, reliance on athleticism which can decline with age, and adaptation to a new coaching staff. Furthermore, persistent offseason reports have occasionally surfaced regarding his dedication and happiness in Baltimore.
Cowherd's list, released following the NFL Top 100 rankings where Jackson reportedly ranked 69th, includes quarterbacks such as Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Caleb Williams, Matthew Stafford, Justin Herbert, Joe Burrow, Sam Darnold, Jared Goff, Jordan Love, and Drake Maye. The exclusion of Jackson from this group suggests a shift in how some evaluate top-tier quarterbacks, prioritizing perceived clutch performance and consistency in high-pressure moments over past regular-season accolades. Until Jackson consistently demonstrates success in the playoffs, such debates about his top-10 status are likely to continue.