Lamar Jackson sends clear message to Ravens after beating Tom Brady
After beating Tom Brady and the Buccaneers, Lamar Jackson grabbed an indication from a fan with a transparent message to the Ravens’ entrance workplace: “Pay ’em Now!”
Lamar Jackson wasn’t signaling his teammates. He wasn’t making an attempt to rally followers. No, Lamar’s message was for Baltimore Ravens administration.
On prime time, the Ravens defeated Tom Brady and the struggling Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5) 27-22, a sport a lot nearer on the scoreboard than in actuality.
Jackson accomplished 27 of 38 passes for 238 yards, alongside 2 TDs, to not point out his 43 yards on the bottom. Although this efficiency got here in opposition to a seemingly rudderless Buccaneers workforce, Lamar continued to construct a case for an MVP season.
On his strategy to the locker room after the sport, Jackson grabbed an indication from a fan. He held the signal clearly for TV cameras, autographed it, and high-fived the fan. Its message: “Pay ’em Now!”
The signal had Jackson’s No. 8 and a No. 7 (WR Rashod Bateman) on the signal.
Lamar Jackson needs to be in-line for an enormous contract extension
This gesture, although in good enjoyable, was clearly aimed on the Ravens entrance workplace.
Lamar Jackson and the team weren’t able to reach a deal before September. He stated over the summer time that after the season began, any contract negotiations would take a again seat to enjoying soccer since Jackson represents himself and doesn’t have an agent.
Different star QBs signed large offers within the offseason that served as straightforward factors of comparability. Kyler Murray inked a $230.5 million ($105 million guaranteed) contract. Russell Wilson signed a $245 million ($165 million guaranteed) deal. And the Deshaun Watson scored perhaps the biggest deal ($230 million fully guaranteed), regardless of his off-the-field controversy.
Jackson believed that he was value a minimum of as a lot as these three QBs. Selecting to not sit out or stage a protest, Jackson did the factor he is aware of finest: play soccer. He guess on himself, deciding to play with no contract in place, a significant danger in any sport, not to mention skilled soccer.
Thus far, Lamar’s guess seems to be paying off. With 1,635 passing yards, 15 TDs, and a 63.0 QBR, Jackson is within the MVP dialog on his passing alone. However think about his 553 speeding yards (4th within the NFL), and he’s a frontrunner. Furthermore, the Ravens as an entire are 5-3 and beginning to seem like a workforce that might contend. All of this bodes effectively for future negotiations.
Trying throughout the QB panorama, particularly on the three huge offseason peer contracts, it’s straightforward to see with hindsight who ought to receives a commission. Not solely statistically has he been superior, but additionally he’s by no means had an issue reviewing film, communicating with teammates, or any severe off area issues. Lamar’s efficiency by means of eight weeks means that each time he indicators his subsequent contract, very similar to his on-field play, it is going to be one for the document books.
