On Wednesday, the Baltimore Ravens cruised to take the lead in the AFC North and lock up the conference’s third seed with a 31-2 blowout of the Houston Texans. But the spectacular performance, which was the second-largest victory ever for the Ravens against the Texans was overshadowed by yet another MVP-caliber performance from Lamar Jackson in a season full of them.
Scratch that, a career full of them. Leading the league in total yards so far this season, Jackson added another 168 yards through the air while rushing for an additional 87 and a touchdown. Those 87 yards were good enough to put him ahead of the pioneer of the dual-threat quarterback, Michael Vick, for the most rushing yards ever by a quarterback.
Immediately, fans showed their appreciation for the two-time MVP’s historic feat.
Fans in Awe As Lamar Jackson Breaks Michael Vick’s Record
When Vick first burst onto the scene in 2001, his style of quarterbacking was truly one of a kind. In his 13-year career, Vick accumulated over 22,000 passing yards, adding 6,109 rushing yards. In an era where running quarterbacks were rare, as opposed to the commonplace scrambles and designed runs we see today, Vick’s numbers were staggering, to say the least.
But, in just seven short seasons — including his rookie year where he began just seven games — Jackson has now officially passed Vick for the all-time rushing record. The NFL made the status official with a post on social media, and fans were eager to celebrate. The accomplishment was worthy of acknowledgment and respect, and the fans watching on Christmas did not disappoint.
With the two MVPs to his name, including a unanimous selection in 2019, fans were ready to give Jackson an unofficial title. “Easily, the best dual-threat QB of all time,” has quickly become the consensus.
easily the best dual threat QB of all time already and we aren’t even halfway through his career
— Optify 🦁 (@optifyy_) December 25, 2024
This felt like the last mark Jackson needed to be marked No. 1 among mobile quarterbacks. Now, Vick’s only advantage is his efficiency. At 7.0 yards per attempt, he remains ahead of Jackson’s 6.1.
Given his career still had a long way to go, and as evidenced by his 87 yards on four runs, Jackson isn’t done dominating on the ground. He’s poised to leave the rest of the league in the dust. “This will be an unbreakable record for a while once he’s done,” one fan commented.
This will be an unbreakable record for awhile once hes done
— Kyle Funk (@kylefunk17) December 25, 2024
For some though, the combined brilliance of the passing and rushing game, alongside the dominance by the Ravens defense may have done enough for Jackson to secure the MVP this season and retake the lead from Josh Allen as the favorite. The Buffalo Bills will likely finish with more wins, but Jackson’s powers have reached a new level this season.
How is this not an MVP season? Lamar has looked great all season and tonight the entire Ravens team looked like a championship team. This team can dominate the entire NFL if they play like this every game.
— LJ (@lpena001) December 26, 2024
While most saw the potential when he entered the league, breaking the all-time record just seven seasons into his career is still hard to believe. In one of the most legendary starts to a career in NFL history. Jackson may have done enough already to warrant enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Every single two-time MVP is already a member, so he does have history on his side.
Despite a lack of postseason success I genuinely think Lamar has a case to be in the hall of fame
— Blitz Sports Media (@BlitzSM_) December 25, 2024
But, as one comment suggests, this season might ultimately come down to the playoffs alone for Jackson. With two MVPs and the rushing record, his credentials in the regular season are undebatable. His postseason resume is still barren, so there’s more to be done to flip the narratives and prove he’s truly one of the best to ever play under center.