"He’ll be a 1 as a football player, but not as a quarterback" - NFL fans baffled by statement made by coach downplaying Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is a unique talent. He won the NFL MVP award in 2019 after leading the Ravens to a 13-2 record and throwing for 36 touchdowns, just nine interceptions and 3,127 yards. He also rushed for 1,206 yards and seven touchdowns for good measure.

But one NFL defensive coordinator isn't buying into Jackson's hype. The coach, who chose to remain anonymous, said that the Ravens star could win 12 MVP awards and would still not be the best quarterback in the league in his opinion.

In an article published by Mike Sando of The Athletic, the coach said:

"If [Lamar Jackson] has to pass to win the game, they ain’t winning the game. He’s so unique as an athlete and he’s really a good football player, but I don’t (care) if he wins the league MVP 12 times, I don’t think he’ll ever be a 1 as a quarterback. He’ll be a 1 as a football player, but not as a quarterback."

As expected, the comments did not sit well with NFL fans. One of them stated that the criticism leveled at Jackson was simply because he "threatens the existence" of white quarterbacks.

"Because his existence threatens the white QB 🤷🏼‍♂️ it’s literally the only thing I can come up with at this point… also once people get their idea of “who you are” in their head, it’s tough to knock it out sometimes…"

Other fans simply could not believe what they had read. Here are some of the best reactions to the defensive co-ordinator's statement:

Some signal callers get judged on what they do in the playoffs and not the regular season. Jackson has a 37-12 record in the regular season, but is 1-3 in the postseason.

That needs to change if people want to consider the Louisville standout a top quarterback.

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Lamar Jackson and the Ravens will hope to bounce back next season

Lamar Jackson (#8) in action for the Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens missed the playoffs last season and that is due in part to Lamar Jackson missing the last few games. He was 7-5 last season before his injury and threw 16 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

In the 2022-23 campaign, there will need to be a better output from the team as a whole. The Ravens were ravaged by injuries and COVID-19, especially at the running back position, last season. They will hope to put all of that behind them in the upcoming campaign.

When fit and firing, the Ravens are a tough team to get a handle on as they can beat opponents in multiple ways.

For Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, a return to the playoffs should be the minimum requirement. But there is also a lingering contract issue that needs to be sorted out first.