When a three-time Super Bowl champ speaks, we listen. This time, it’s all eyes on Lamar Jackson, as this former football guard doubled down on his preseason critique. While some might hit the brakes after a hot take, this champ is standing firm, unapologetically owning his words.
Jackson’s been making waves, sure, but not everyone’s sold.
Mark Schlereth Doubles Down on Lamar Jackson Critique
Mark Schlereth is sticking to his guns. The three-time Super Bowl champ and former All-Pro guard isn’t apologizing for calling out Jackson’s ability to develop wide receivers during the preseason.
On “The Stinkin’ Truth Podcast,” Schlereth didn’t hold back, voicing frustration with the narrative that Jackson lacks weapons in Baltimore.
“I do not wanna hear from all of you out there that are telling me that Lamar Jackson, well, they don’t get him weapons,” Schlereth said. “How many first-round wide receivers do you need to draft? Your quarterback has a long way to go in developing wide receivers.”
He pointed to Baltimore’s investments in first-round picks like Marquise Brown, Rashod Bateman, and Zay Flowers since 2018, emphasizing that excuses for Jackson’s passing-game shortcomings are wearing thin.
“Baltimore fans, I’m tired of it. They drafted first-round talent. They drafted tight ends in the first round. They drafted three different wide receivers since 2018 in the first round. So, don’t tell me about it,” Schlereth alluded on the podcast.
Fast forward, and the former football star shared a clip of his preseason remarks on X. A fan clapped back, highlighting Flowers’ recent Pro Bowl selection in just his second season, making him the first Baltimore wide receiver to achieve that feat strictly as a WR (not a return specialist).
“Mark, I need you to come outsiiiiiiiide!!!!! You said Lamar needed to do better developing WRs🙄,” the fan wrote. “Welp Zay in his 2nd yr just made the probowl, & he’s the FIRST Bal WR to make the PB. So was it ALL ON the QB, or some on the FO/WR. Since we had never had a WR make as a WR only PR/KR.”
Schlereth didn’t miss a beat, doubling down: “Once again I was correct! He got the 16th-ranked WR to a Pro Bowl. Good for Lamar!”
Once again I was correct! He got the 16th ranked WR to a pro bowl. Good for Lamar! https://t.co/JPRdokNrFZ
— Mark Schlereth (@markschlereth) January 2, 2025
While fans debate whether Jackson deserves praise for Flowers’ development, Schlereth’s stance remains firm.
As Baltimore celebrates another stellar season for Jackson, the MVP buzz builds. Meanwhile, analysts are reflecting on Joe Burrow and Josh Allen’s year, too.
Joe Burrow’s MVP Case Grows, Even With Jackson and Josh Allen in the Spotlight
Forget the hype around Jackson and Josh Allen — Burrow is lowkey making his MVP case, and fans are starting to notice. While the Cincinnati Bengals’ playoff hopes are still dangling by a thread, Burrow’s stats are an absolute flex. He’s racked up 4,641 yards and 42 TDs.
After a mind-bending 412 yards and four TDs in a win over the Denver Broncos, Burrow was met with MVP chants. His response? “I will win one day.” Sure, his team’s 4-8 start may hurt his chances this year, but if stats were everything, this guy’s got it locked.
MVP? Maybe not yet. But Burrow’s just getting started.
If it were up to PFN’s proprietary QB+ metric, the pecking order would be Jackson, Allen, and Burrow. Jackson owns the only A+ grade (99.8), while Allen (third) has an A- and 92.2 score and Burrow (fourth) has an A- and 92.1 score.