Aaron Rodgers Discusses Why Lamar Jackson Is So Impressive
Lamar Jackson has dispelled his critics' narratives about him throughout his career, including the one about the league having "figured him out" any time he had a game below his high standards.
With Jackson having his best season yet in his seventh year, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers praised the reigning and two-time league MVP for his ability to overcome whatever defenses do to try to neutralize him.
"That's why it's so impressive for a guy like Lamar to win multiple MVPs," Rodgers said on "The Pat McAfee Show," "because you've had years to game plan this guy and try to figure out, OK, there was a time when everybody was zero-blitzing Lamar like crazy; well, they got through that stretch. There are stretches of your career where you have to get through whatever the label is on how to stop you and the way you play."
To Rodgers' point, Jackson is thriving against the blitz this season. It's one of the reasons the Ravens offense has been nearly unstoppable and Jackson has emerged as the MVP front-runner.
If Jackson captures the MVP award again, he'll join Peyton Manning, Rodgers, Tom Brady, Brett Favre, Jim Brown, and Johnny Unitas as the only players to win it three times or more.
Saquon Barkley Loves/Hates That Derrick Henry Is Balling Out
In another example of "game recognizes game," Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley complimented Derrick Henry for the outstanding season he's having at 30, the age when running backs typically start to decline.
"I love that he's a 30-year-old running back and he's balling," Barkley said on “The Pivot Podcast.” "There are a lot of people right now that are getting paid a lot more than Derrick Henry, and what are we really talking about?"
Like Henry, the 27-year-old Barkley is killing it in his first season with a new team. The former New York Giant has 991 rushing yards, second only to Henry (1,120).
Barkley jokingly said that he wishes Henry would ease up.
"As a competitor, I hate it, because we all want that rushing title," Barkley said. "He's already got some. I came in second or third a couple times. So he could slow down."
Henry and Barkley will duel when the Ravens host the Eagles on Dec. 1.
Ronnie Stanley Ranked Among Top 10 Players Set to Hit Free Agency
ESPN's Matt Bowen ranked the top 25 players set to hit free agency in 2025. Veteran left tackle Ronnie Stanley was No. 7.
"At 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds, Stanley can use his long frame to build a wall on the edge, which forces pass rushers to expand," Bowen wrote. "He has allowed only one sack this season, and his 93.2% pass block win rate ranks sixth among tackles. Stanley's movement skills are declining in his ninth pro season, but with his size and length, he still brings value at a premium position."
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler speculated on whether Stanley, who was selected sixth overall by the Ravens in 2016, will be re-signed by Baltimore.
"Stanley returned to prime form in 2024, making him tougher to keep in the fold after the Ravens forced him to take a pay cut in the offseason," Fowler wrote. "Baltimore often lets its free agents walk, opting to backfill with draft prospects, but it could see Stanley as a legacy player after nine seasons with the franchise. And after years of health issues, Stanley is staying on the field and thriving right now."
