That Lamar Jackson didn't win his third MVP doesn't take away from the fact that he's arguably the best player in the game.
Jackson's first seven seasons have been special, but his next seven could be better.
Here are five reasons why Jackson's career is still trending up:
Great quarterbacks often enjoy stellar seasons beyond age 30.
Tom Brady had the highest quarterback rating of his career when he was 30. Brett Favre completed a career-high 372 passes at age 36. Aaron Rodgers threw 40 touchdowns when he was 37.
There are other examples of quarterbacks extending their prime years well beyond the age of 30, when the wisdom of experience gives them a greater advantage.
Jackson is already benefitting from his exposure to different defenses designed to neutralize him. He had more answers for blitz packages in 2024 and became better at anticipating when the blitz would come.
He made more checks at the line of scrimmage and audibled into different plays with greater success. The cerebral side of his game will continue to grow, and he's one of the best athletes on the planet. That's a potential formula for taking his greatness to a level yet to be seen.
Todd Monken's system gives Jackson more room for growth.
Reaching a contract extension with Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken was big for the Ravens' organization and great news for Jackson. It gives him more time in an offense that takes advantage of his many talents, and Monken will look for more ways to maximize them.
In 2024, the Ravens became the first team in NFL history to score 40 passing touchdowns and 20 rushing touchdowns in the same season. They also became the first to throw for at least 4,000 yards and rush for at least 3,000.
However, the coaches and players believe there's another level Baltimore's offense can get to, and Jackson is hungry to get there.
"He's an unbelievable playmaker," Monken said in December. "He wants to be coached, wants to be great, and he's about as humble as you could ever ask for [from] a star player."
The Ravens will continue to surround Jackson with playmakers.
Zay Flowers is a Pro Bowler, Rashod Bateman blossomed with nine touchdown catches, and Isaiah Likely had his most productive season and they're all 25 years old or younger. Derrick Henry is a dominant running back, and as long as that remains true, it will give Jackson another star teammate to take pressure off him to carry the offense.
The Ravens consistently draft well, they are a stable organization, and they have Jackson. All of that bodes well for their ability to continue surrounding him with talent. Great players want to play with great quarterbacks, and Jackson's presence is a major reason why Henry wanted to sign with Baltimore.
"I came in being a teammate and found a brother," Henry said after this year's divisional playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills. "Lamar is what makes this team go, and he's the reason why we still had a chance. He's a Hall of Fame player, had a great season. … We believe in him, and we always are going to be behind his back."
Jackson is defying concerns about his longevity.
Jackson has gone two straight seasons without missing a game due to injury. His elusiveness and vision make him adept at avoiding big hits.
It was theorized by some pundits when Jackson entered the league that his propensity to run might make it difficult for him to stay healthy and have a long career. But he's hard to sack, keeps his eyes downfield while scrambling, and has become more selective about when to use his legs. Some of Jackson's most spectacular plays take place when he uses his mobility to buy time, then makes a throw.
The window for Jackson to remain a dominant player into his mid-30's and has never looked more open.
Jackson's competitive nature won't allow for complacency.
Not receiving a third MVP isn't going to a Jackson's insatiable quest to win championships. It was never about the awards for Jackson. It was always about the Super Bowl.
"Even [with] the first or second one, [winning MVP has] never been my goal," Jackson said. "I always want to finish with the championship, but I've been falling short. … I'm trying to win."
He has become more willing to lead his teammates not just with his actions, but with his words, and says that's not going to change.
"I'm one of the vets now," Jackson said after the Ravens clinched their second straight AFC North title. "I've got to lead by example. I can't let the guys see me get mad without holding myself accountable. I can't be all over the place."
Jackson has already secured his place in NFL history, but he's not done striving to improve.
