Lamar Jackson Stats: A Year-by-Year Breakdown

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the incredible career of Lamar Jackson and break down his stats year by year. This dude is a phenomenon, and understanding his journey through the numbers is super insightful. Whether you're a die-hard Ravens fan, a fantasy football fanatic, or just someone who appreciates raw talent, this breakdown is for you. We’re going to cover everything from his rookie season to his most recent performances, highlighting the key stats that define his unique playstyle. So buckle up, and let’s get started!

Early Career and Rookie Season (2018)

In 2018, Lamar Jackson entered the NFL as a highly anticipated first-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens. The initial plan wasn't for him to start right away; he was meant to learn behind veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. However, as fate would have it, Flacco suffered an injury mid-season, thrusting Jackson into the starting role. This unexpected opportunity allowed Jackson to showcase his dual-threat capabilities, something the NFL hadn't seen in quite the same way for a while.

During his rookie season, Jackson played in seven games and started in all of them, providing a spark that ignited the Ravens' offense. His passing stats weren't eye-popping, but they were promising for a rookie. He completed 58.2% of his passes for 1,206 yards, with 6 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. While these numbers may seem modest, they don’t tell the full story. Jackson's true impact came from his legs. He rushed for an impressive 695 yards on 147 carries, averaging 4.7 yards per carry, and scored 5 rushing touchdowns. This rushing ability added a dynamic element to the Ravens' offense, making them incredibly difficult to defend. Defenses had to account for Jackson's running threat on every single play, opening up opportunities for other players.

Jackson's rushing prowess not only helped the Ravens win games but also changed the way teams strategized against them. His ability to make quick decisions and exploit gaps in the defense made him a nightmare for defensive coordinators. He showed flashes of brilliance, hinting at the superstar he would eventually become. The Ravens finished the season with a 6-1 record in games started by Jackson, securing a playoff berth. Although they lost in the first round to the Los Angeles Chargers, Jackson's performance provided a glimpse of the future and a new era for the Baltimore Ravens.

Breakout Season (2019)

Then came 2019, the year Lamar Jackson exploded onto the scene and cemented himself as one of the league's most electrifying players. This was the season where everything clicked, and Jackson showcased the full extent of his potential. The Ravens tailored their entire offense to fit his unique skill set, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. It was a season of shattered records and unforgettable moments.

In his second year, Jackson started all 15 games he played, leading the Ravens to a dominant 13-2 record. His passing numbers saw a significant jump, as he completed 66.1% of his passes for 3,127 yards, with a league-leading 36 touchdowns and just 6 interceptions. His passer rating soared to 113.3, demonstrating his improved accuracy and decision-making. But the most remarkable aspect of his 2019 season was his rushing performance. Jackson rushed for an incredible 1,206 yards on 176 carries, averaging 6.9 yards per carry, and scored 7 rushing touchdowns. This made him the second quarterback in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season (Michael Vick was the first) and set a new single-season rushing record for a quarterback.

Jackson's remarkable season earned him unanimous NFL MVP honors, making him the youngest player to receive the award at the time. He became the face of the Ravens franchise and a symbol of the modern NFL quarterback. His ability to seamlessly blend passing and rushing made him a matchup nightmare for defenses. The Ravens' offense, orchestrated by offensive coordinator Greg Roman, became virtually unstoppable. They led the league in scoring, averaging over 33 points per game, and Jackson was the driving force behind their success. Although the Ravens suffered a disappointing playoff loss to the Tennessee Titans, Jackson's 2019 season remains one of the most memorable and impactful individual performances in NFL history.

Continued Excellence (2020-2021)

The 2020 and 2021 seasons saw Jackson continue to perform at a high level, although they weren't quite as statistically dominant as his MVP year. Despite facing increased defensive attention and some injury setbacks, he remained a consistent and dynamic threat. These years were about proving his longevity and resilience in the face of adversity.

In 2020, Jackson started 12 games, leading the Ravens to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth. He completed 64.4% of his passes for 2,757 yards, with 26 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. His rushing numbers remained impressive, as he rushed for 1,005 yards on 159 carries, averaging 6.3 yards per carry, and scored 7 rushing touchdowns. He became the first quarterback in NFL history to record multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons. The Ravens defeated the Tennessee Titans in the Wild Card round but lost to the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round.

In 2021, Jackson's season was hampered by an ankle injury that forced him to miss the final five games. In the 12 games he played, he completed 64.4% of his passes for 2,882 yards, with 16 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. His rushing numbers were down slightly, as he rushed for 767 yards on 133 carries, averaging 5.8 yards per carry, and scored 2 rushing touchdowns. The Ravens struggled without Jackson, finishing the season with an 8-9 record and missing the playoffs. Despite the challenges, Jackson showed his toughness and determination, battling through injuries and leading the team whenever he was on the field. These seasons highlighted his ability to adapt and continue to perform at a high level, even when facing adversity.

Recent Seasons (2022-2023)

In 2022, contract negotiations loomed large, and Jackson's season was marked by both flashes of brilliance and frustrating inconsistency. An injury once again cut his season short, raising questions about his long-term durability. The 2023 season, however, brought a fresh start with a new contract and renewed optimism.

In 2022, Jackson started 12 games, completing 62.3% of his passes for 2,242 yards, with 17 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. He rushed for 764 yards on 112 carries, averaging 6.8 yards per carry, and scored 3 rushing touchdowns. The Ravens made the playoffs but lost to the Cincinnati Bengals in the Wild Card round. The season was a mix of highs and lows, with Jackson showing glimpses of his MVP form but also struggling with consistency and injuries.

The 2023 season saw Jackson sign a lucrative contract extension with the Ravens, solidifying his future with the team. Under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Jackson had a great season, completing 67.2% of his passes for 3,678 yards, with 24 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. He also rushed for 821 yards and 5 touchdowns, leading the Ravens to the best record in the AFC. The Ravens are looking like Super Bowl contenders, with Jackson playing at an elite level and showcasing his growth as a passer and leader.

Key Stats and Career Overview

To recap, Lamar Jackson's career stats showcase a player who is not only a dynamic runner but also an improving passer. Here's a quick look at some key career numbers:

• Passing Yards: Over 14,000
• Passing Touchdowns: Over 100
• Rushing Yards: Over 5,000
• Rushing Touchdowns: Over 30
• MVP Award: 2019

These stats highlight Jackson's impact on the game and his evolution as a quarterback. He has consistently defied expectations and proven that he can excel both as a passer and a runner. His unique skill set has changed the way teams scout and develop quarterbacks, and he has inspired a new generation of dual-threat players.

Conclusion

Lamar Jackson's journey in the NFL has been nothing short of extraordinary. From his unexpected rookie season to his MVP triumph and continued excellence, he has consistently captivated fans and defied expectations. His stats tell the story of a player who is not only a dynamic athlete but also a dedicated and evolving quarterback. As he continues to lead the Baltimore Ravens, it will be exciting to see what new heights he can reach and what records he can break. One thing is for sure: Lamar Jackson has already left an indelible mark on the game of football.