As the NFL playoffs approach, debates about quarterback pressure heat up. Lamar Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens‘ star QB and two-time MVP, has faced his fair share of criticism for not reaching a Super Bowl. Despite leading the Ravens to a stellar 12-5 record and clinching the AFC North title this season, Jackson’s playoff track record continues to be a point of contention for many fans and analysts.
However, on a recent episode of Speak, Joy Taylor pushed back on the notion that Jackson is under the most pressure. According to Taylor, quarterbacks like Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills and even three-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes carry a heavier burden heading into the postseason.
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“I think Josh Allen has more pressure,” Taylor said. “I think Patrick Mahomes has more pressure. Jared Goff has more pressure. Lamar is up there too, but if we were ranking them, I’d say Lamar is fourth.”
Taylor’s reasoning stems from the progress Jackson and the Ravens have made this season. With 4,172 passing yards, 45 total touchdowns, and another MVP-caliber campaign under his belt, Jackson has already proven his value. The Ravens‘ recent successes, including reaching the AFC Championship Game last year, have helped ease some of the pressure to perform in the playoffs.
Conversely, Allen finds himself in a tougher spot. Despite consistent regular-season success, the Bills have struggled to break through in the postseason. Taylor also highlighted Mahomes, whose achievements include two MVPs and three Super Bowl victories, suggesting the bar for his continued success remains incredibly high.
Media narratives continue to amplify pressure on Jackson
While Taylor’s perspective defends Jackson, she acknowledges that public perception may still hold the Ravens‘ star to a harsher standard. “The media world will hit Jackson a lot harder than Goff if both fall short,” she said, pointing out the disparity in expectations for quarterbacks of different teams.
Still, Jackson’s remarkable career trajectory, paired with his ability to lead Baltimore to regular-season and playoff victories, reinforces his standing as one of the NFL’s elite QBs. Whether or not he reaches a Super Bowl this season, Jackson’s credentials are already undeniable.
For now, the spotlight remains on the postseason performances of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. While Jackson will undoubtedly aim to silence his critics, Taylor’s assessment shifts the narrative, placing the weight of expectations squarely on the shoulders of others like Allen and Mahomes.
