LAS VEGAS — The Baltimore Ravens undoubtedly fell short of their goals in 2023. They were the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs, but Baltimore’s offense was stymied by a tenacious Kansas City Chiefs defense, leading to an unceremonious exit.
While the Ravens still deal with the bitter taste of playoff defeat, their QB — Lamar Jackson — is the front-runner for the most prestigious individual award: Most Valuable Player. Former Raven Mark Ingram weighed in.
Mark Ingram Discusses Lamar Jackson With Pro Football Network on Radio Row
Jackson’s 2023 season was superb. He finished with career highs in attempts, completions, completion percentage, and yards. Baltimore’s signal-caller tallied over 800 yards on the ground and accounted for 29 total TDs (24 passing, five rushing). The man nearly broke off a TD that he caught in stride off of a pass deflection at the line of scrimmage in the AFC Championship Game. Not many NFL players get fans to say “WOW!” more than Jackson.
However, football fans might be a little skeptical about Ingram, who used to play with Jackson, being bullish on his second MVP award. Perhaps the more salient question is: When will the Ravens and Jackson win a Super Bowl?
“I just wish he was playing in this game, but he will be playing in this game soon, and he will win a Super Bowl soon. I have no doubt about it. That’s just what he’s built on. That’s in his DNA; that’s in his character. That’s what he’s driving for.”
Anyone who saw Jackson’s body language in the waning moments of the Ravens-Chiefs AFC Championship Game could see the physical manifestation of his frustration.
But losing can be the ultimate motivator, and as Ingram mentioned, Jackson has the requisite traits to take that hardship and flip it on its head.
“I don’t understand the [negativity] and hate that surrounds this guy,” Ingram said. “All he does is come to work. All he does is show up and do things the right way.”
KEEP READING: Can Baltimore Build Off AFC Title Game Appearance, or Are Changes Coming?
As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!