Lamar Jackson is making a serious run for his third NFL MVP award, and even NBA stars are taking notice. Jackson, who’s been dominating opposition since his days at Louisville, has a fan in Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell. Both were Cardinals before Mitchell left for the NBA in 2017. Now, Mitchell is publicly backing his buddy as the MVP race hits the home stretch.
Lamar Jackson Impresses Donavan Mitchell as Ravens Blowout Texans
Jackson’s passer rating is close to challenging the single-season NFL record. On Wednesday, he broke Michael Vick’s record for the most rushing yards all-time by a quarterback. The 27-year-old was locked in for the Ravens’ 31-2 rampage over the Houston Texans. He threw two touchdown passes and added another on the ground.
After this performance, Jackson’s passer rating skyrocketed to 121.6, in close pursuit of Aaron Rodgers’ single-season record of 122.5. Following this game, Mitchell took to X with a simple message tagging Jackson: “You cold-blooded boy.”
You cold blooded boy🥶🥶 @Lj_era8
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) December 25, 2024
Jackson has been tearing apart defenses this season. He’s shown no signs of slowing down after winning his second MVP last season, somehow elevating his game even further. While sharing the award with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is possible, Jackson’s recent performances and production have made a strong case for him to win the award, even if Buffalo finishes with a better record.
The Ravens’ offense is firing on all cylinders, thanks partly to the addition of running back Derrick Henry. His presence has taken the pressure off Jackson, providing a powerful running game. Against the Texans, Henry managed 86 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter alone. Jackson also connected with Mark Andrews for a 67-yard gain and later found tight end Isaiah Likely for a touchdown.
Jackson only completed six passes in the first half, but the return on those completions was 147 yards — no wonder he is making a compelling MVP case. He is on the verge of becoming only the fourth quarterback to achieve a 120-passer rating in a season. And if that’s not enough, his rushing ability makes him one of the most dynamic players in the league and the centerpiece of Baltimore’s offensive operation.
One major hurdle in Jackson winning the third NFL MVP award is Allen, who’s having a statement season of his own with 3,549 yards, 26 touchdown passes, six interceptions, 514 rushing yards, and 11 rushing touchdowns.
However, at face value, Jackson’s stats are more impressive — 3,955 yards, 39 touchdowns, and only four interceptions, while also rushing for 852 yards and four touchdowns. The Ravens are primed to win the AFC North, and Jackson’s MVP candidacy is gaining serious momentum by the day.
He’ll have one more showing against the Cleveland Browns to appeal to voters and take home the hardware for the third time.