Lamar Jackson has always been electrifying as a runner. Meanwhile, the quarterback is showing that he is also at the absolute top level with his arm. Against the Indianapolis Colts, he shines with mega numbers. As a leader. And with comeback qualities.

Munich/Baltimore – When a quarterback is voted MVP at the age of 23, it can have consequences. Depending on his character, negative ones too.

Lamar Jackson accompanied the narrative from the start that he wasn’t good enough as a passer. Can’t become good enough, that it’s not enough for the very highest level, for the very big screen. It’s been going on since his 2018 debut, stretching through the 2019 MVP season to yet another early playoff exit in 2020.

“Not bad for a running back “

“Not bad for a running back,” was a phrase Jackson himself said to verbally smack his critics. The narrative, however, remained.

With his legs, he is an elite quarterback, one of the best, if not the best right now. But his arm doesn’t measure up to the standard he sets for himself run-wise.

Until now.

Because Jackson is not only refuting his critics this season, he’s muzzling them. The arguments: are compelling, hard-hitting, impressive. Or to stay in NFL parlance: sharp and accurately fired.

Jackson orchestrated a rally against the Indianapolis Colts from a 3-22 deficit at the end of the third quarter that not only ensures his Baltimore Ravens will once again play themselves into the favourites, but also that Jackson will show: The 2019 MVP is becoming a true Most Valuable Player, a complete player.

It’s no surprise, then, that he threw his helmet in the air after the 31-25 overtime win. So high that someone else had to catch it again. One of the few actions he regrets that evening.

“I shouldn’t have done that – seriously,” Jackson said. “I need to show more restraint, but I was just excited. We had recorded an overtime win. It was pretty cool.”

Truly cool numbers

“Pretty cool” are also the numbers to back up the praise for the 24-year-old. There are plenty from the Colts game alone.

A few excerpts: Jackson’s 442 yards surpassed Vinny Testaverde’s franchise record for passing yards in a game, which went back to 1996 (429).

Jackson is the first quarterback in the last 20 years to overcome a 16-point deficit in the final quarter to finish the game with 400 yards and four touchdowns, according to ESPN.

Not only is the completion percentage of 86 percent impressive, Jackson is also the first quarterback in NFL history to reach that mark on more than 40 (43) passes. The 86 percent rate was also the highest for a player who threw for at least 400 yards.

Other number games: He has 1,860 total yards – 1,519 through the air, 341 on the ground – more than 17 other NFL teams. He’s on pace to throw for 5,164 yards at his current pace. That would pulverise his previous best (3,127 yards). The all-time record right now is 5,477.

Fun fact: He ranks fifth league-wide in passing yards, and has 29 more yards than Patrick Mahomes.

But there’s also a record Jackson was actually interested in, because it’s the one that’s about what it’s all about in the end: wins.

Lamar Jackson: “Focus on winning “

Jackson ties Dan Marino for the record for most wins (34) by a quarterback before turning 25. Jackson celebrates that on January 7. “I’m up there with those guys – those legends,” Jackson said. “I appreciate that. It’s an honour to be up there with those guys, but I’m focused on winning.”

That’s been working pretty well and convincingly since he didn’t rest on his laurels after MVP success, but instead accepted criticism, worked on weaknesses, successfully implemented advice and continued to limit or eliminate his mistakes. The Ravens are on target after four straight wins with a 4-1 record.

“This is one of the best performances I’ve ever seen,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh enthused. “And it wasn’t easy. We had to overcome some things and battle through. Lamar was under pressure, and he created plays with his feet. He threw the ball when he needed to throw it. It all starts with Lamar. He deserves the credit. “

You can’t deny Jackson’s comeback qualities anymore, either. “You can’t say that anymore,” tight end Mark Andrews said. “You look at the last couple of games. He’s just calm and collected, and he’s a leader. That’s what we’re all looking at. “

Lamar Jackson is only scratching the surface

Defensive end Calais Campbell has seen his share of quarterbacks, to him Jackson is “special. He’s just scratching the surface of how good he can be,” Campbell said. He also addressed the critics. “I know he’s known for what he can do with his legs, and I feel like people don’t respect his arm talent,” Campbell said.

And followed up with, “I think a lot of people should take back what they said.”

Because it’s long past time for a new narrative.