The ex-MVP is of the opinion that the two-time award recipient will ultimately clinch a championship ring once the Ravens master the art of winning ‘the ugly games.’
In his initial six years in the NFL, Lamar Jackson, the franchise quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, has amassed a plethora of individual awards and accolades. However, the most coveted team accolade, a Super Bowl victory, has remained elusive.
During a recent appearance on the “Club Shay Shay” podcast hosted by retired Ravens tight end and Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe, former league MVP Cam Newton shared his insights on the topic. When Sharpe asked Newton who he believes will secure a Super Bowl first among a list of quarterbacks including Jackson, Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts, Brock Purdy, Jordan Love, Justin Herbert, and Dak Prescott, Newton swiftly replied, “Lamar,” without any hesitation.
Jackson’s already impressive resume could arguably warrant Hall of Fame consideration, boasting two league MVP titles, including one with a unanimous vote and the other nearly unanimous. Additionally, he has earned three Pro Bowl selections, garnered two First-Team All-Pro nods, and led his team to two dominant seasons where they clinched the league’s best record and the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs.
When asked about the struggles the Ravens faced in finally achieving championship success during the 2023 season, despite their status as the best and most complete team with several convincing victories over playoff contenders, Newton offered his perspective. He emphasized the need for Jackson and the Ravens organization to learn how to win in challenging situations, particularly in what he refers to as “ugly games.” Newton suggested that Jackson sometimes overthinks situations and could benefit from simplifying his approach.
Newton, drawing from his own experience as a former elite player before injuries impacted his career, understands the tendency for generational talents like Jackson to overanalyze situations, especially in high-pressure moments. He likened Jackson’s struggle in big playoff games against top-tier opponents to that of a chef who excels at preparing a signature dish but struggles when circumstances force them to deviate from the familiar recipe.
“Winning the ugly games should be the priority, and everything else can follow,” Newton emphasized. He highlighted Patrick Mahomes as an example of a quarterback who has mastered this skill. Newton believes that once Jackson and his team grasp this concept, they will reach new heights. However, he also acknowledged that accountability extends beyond Jackson to include the coaching staff and teammates.
“It’s about everyone finding a way to win,” Newton stressed, drawing a parallel to the success of Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, where collective effort was paramount.
Throughout the Patriots’ two dynastic eras that defined the past two decades of the NFL, their hallmark was their remarkable flexibility and adaptability in the heat of competition. Their disciplined approach was instrumental in securing victories, particularly in the most significant and challenging matchups on the grandest stages.
Newton pointed to the final Super Bowl victory of Tom Brady and the Patriots before their separation following the 2018 season, where they triumphed over the red-hot Los Angeles Rams in a defensive struggle.
“That Super Bowl was a real grind,” Newton remarked. “Once [Jackson], the organization, and everyone involved grasp that concept, [Newton whistles].”
During Jackson’s tenure as the Ravens’ starting quarterback, the team has often held leads in games more frequently than they have trailed. In their two most successful seasons, they’ve secured victories with an average margin of victory in double digits. While they have experienced both victories and defeats in close games decided by a single possession, they have struggled to consistently prevail in the gritty, hard-fought contests when it matters most in the postseason.
In each of the Ravens’ playoff exits over the past six years, the team’s game plans either failed to be executed effectively on one or both sides of the ball, or mistakes compounded and spiraled out of control.
The ability to overcome various forms of adversity, including the loss of their starting quarterback for a series or even the remainder of a game, is a trait demonstrated by teams like the Chiefs. Once the Ravens can consistently exhibit this resilience, their potential will truly be limitless.