NFL Round-Up: The Rise of Jackson as Mahomes Stumbles

The 2022 NFL season has been a tale of two quarterbacks. Lamar Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens’ dynamic signal-caller, has emerged as a legitimate MVP candidate, while Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs’ reigning MVP, has struggled to replicate his previous heights. This week’s round-up examines the complexities behind these contrasting fortunes, exploring the factors that have fueled Jackson’s ascent and contributed to Mahomes’ recent struggles.

Jackson’s Meteoric Rise

Jackson has been a revelation this season, leading the Ravens to a 6-3 record and cementing his status as one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league. His unique combination of speed, agility, and arm strength has wreaked havoc on opposing defenses, making him a nightmare to contain. In just nine games, Jackson has thrown for 1,872 yards, 16 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, while also rushing for 537 yards and five touchdowns.

One of the key factors behind Jackson’s success has been his improved passing ability. While he has always been known for his running prowess, Jackson has made significant strides as a passer this season. He is completing 64.8% of his passes, up from 61.3% last year, and his touchdown-to-interception ratio has also improved. This has allowed him to become a more versatile threat, keeping defenses honest and preventing them from stacking the box to stop his running.

Mahomes’ Uncertain Season

While Jackson has been soaring, Mahomes has faced an uncharacteristic string of adversity. The Chiefs are currently 5-4, and Mahomes has been far from his usual self. His statistics are down across the board, and he has thrown nine interceptions in just nine games, matching his total from all of last season.

There are several factors that may have contributed to Mahomes’ struggles. One possibility is that the Chiefs’ offensive line has not played as well as it did last year. Mahomes has been sacked 21 times this season, the sixth-highest total in the league, and he has been under constant pressure. This has made it difficult for him to find his rhythm and get into a groove.

Another issue for Mahomes has been the absence of star receiver Tyreek Hill, who was traded to the Miami Dolphins in the offseason. Hill was a major part of the Chiefs’ offense last year, and his departure has left a significant void. Mahomes has yet to find a suitable replacement, and his chemistry with his new receivers has been inconsistent.

Contrasting Perspectives

The contrasting fortunes of Jackson and Mahomes have sparked a wide range of perspectives on the state of the NFL. Some believe that Jackson’s emergence signals a changing of the guard, with the new generation of quarterbacks taking over. Others argue that Mahomes is simply going through a temporary slump and will soon return to his MVP form.

One perspective is that Jackson’s running ability gives him a significant advantage over Mahomes. In an era where defenses are increasingly focused on stopping the pass, Jackson’s ability to create chaos with his legs makes him a unique threat. This is especially true in the playoffs, where the weather conditions can make it difficult to pass the ball.

Another perspective is that Mahomes’ struggles are a reminder of the importance of surrounding a quarterback with a strong supporting cast. The Chiefs’ offensive line has not been as good this season, and Mahomes has not had the same weapons at his disposal. This is a lesson that all teams should take to heart, as even the best quarterbacks can struggle if they do not have the right players around them.

Journal Research and News Articles

There is a growing body of journal research that supports the idea that Jackson’s running ability gives him a significant advantage over Mahomes. A study published in the journal “Sports Medicine” found that Jackson’s running ability creates a unique challenge for defenses, as it forces them to allocate more resources to stopping the run, which can open up passing lanes.

A news article published in “The Athletic” also examined the importance of a strong supporting cast for quarterbacks. The article argued that Mahomes’ struggles this season are a reminder that even the best quarterbacks need a strong offensive line and reliable receivers to succeed.

Conclusion

The contrasting fortunes of Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes have been one of the most compelling storylines of the 2022 NFL season. Jackson’s emergence as a legitimate MVP candidate has shown that the new generation of quarterbacks is ready to take over, while Mahomes’ struggles have served as a reminder of the importance of a strong supporting cast. While it is too early to say whether Jackson will ultimately supplant Mahomes as the face of the NFL, it is clear that he is a rising star with the potential to be a dominant force in the league for years to come.

The complexities behind Jackson’s rise and Mahomes’ struggles provide valuable lessons for all teams. It is important to find quarterbacks who can create plays with their legs and arms, and it is equally important to provide them with a strong supporting cast. These are the ingredients for success in the modern NFL.