Tag: ESPN Lamar Jackson

AFC North news: Steelers improving their roster thanks to Russell Wilson’s modest contract

Russell Wilson will cost the Steelers just $1.2 million this year, giving them room to improve the rest of the roster.

Quarterback Russell Wilson will cost the Pittsburgh Steelers the veteran minimum of $1.2 million next season, leaving room for the team to sign Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Queen to a $41 million deal this week.

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Wilson isn’t short on cash, however, because the Denver Broncos are still required to pay him $39 million in 2024 as part of the $242 million contract he signed two years ago.

Spending so little at quarterback has freed up Pittsburgh to splurge elsewhere. In addition to signing Queen, the Steelers have shipped wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers for defensive back Donte Jackson and re-signed safety Miles Killebrew to a two-year, $6.5 million deal.

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The Steelers are rebuilding meticulously and frugally. The Ravens split the season series with Pittsburgh last season and, after their rivals’ additions this offseason, should expect very competitive matchups with them this fall. Wilson and the Steelers may make a deep playoff run in 2024 if they continue building on this success throughout the offseason.

Are we ready to be honest about Lamar Jackson?

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson was unimpressive in the AFC championship game, and it’s time to be honest about his shortcomings.

After Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson lost again in the playoffs, it’s time to be honest about his shortcomings.

While offensive coordinator Todd Monken does deserve some blame for abandoning the running game, is Monken wrong for expecting his “MVP” to complete passes with accuracy and timing on three-step drops? Furthermore, Monken’s quick passing attack was the correct counter to the blitz scheme of Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

Jackson’s play was pedestrian at best, holding the ball too long in the pocket, dropping back 15-plus yards aimlessly on the first play, and throwing into triple coverage at a crucial point of the game. The Ravens were 3 of 11 on third down. Jackson went 20 for 37 through the air and was sacked four times, losing a fumble on one of them.

As a result of Jackson’s inability to lead the offense, the Ravens defense had to be on the field for 73 snaps. After shutting the Chiefs down entirely in the second half, the Ravens still had to wake up to the false narrative that Patrick Mahomes carved them up. Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald didn’t even speak to the media before he decided to skip town.

Instead of presuming the Ravens will be back next season, Jackson needs to process the loss and know that the AFC North will be a much more challenging road in 2024. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will return from injury, and the Cleveland Browns will have running back Nick Chubb back from injury.

The Ravens didn’t sign Jackson to a five-year, $260 million contract last offseason for empty promises at the podium, locker room dance moves or his ability to win the MVP award. Jackson must improve his game as a pocket passer. It’s time to hold him accountable.

Lamar Jackson may end Chiefs dynasty in AFC Championship

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson will look to end the Chiefs and advance to Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will make his first-ever appearance in the AFC Championship with a chance to end Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs’ reigning dynasty.

Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo better have an answer for Jackson Sunday. The Ravens average 4.9 yards per carry, using a committee of running backs to wear down opponents. Jackson led the Ravens with  821 rush yards on 148 carries this season. That’s 5.5 yards per attempt.

The Chiefs are allowing 4.5 yards per carry on defense and the Ravens rank No. 2 in the NFL in rushing touchdowns with 26.

Ravens’ offensive coordinator Todd Monken knows how to use the run game in moderation. Monken likes to call on Jackson in the Red Zone but the Chiefs have only allowed 10 rushing touchdowns this year.

Jackson and Monken will want to use the run and intermediate/quick pass game to sustain offensive drives.

Unlike in the past, Jackson now has a plethora of wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs to distribute the ball in the passing game.

Jackson will look to end the Chiefs and advance to Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday.