As the NFL season looms on the horizon, the spotlight is shining brightly on several key players and teams, with a particular focus on Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.
The narrative surrounding Jackson, the Ravens' quarterback, is particularly compelling. Jackson, who is coming off an MVP season, has faced his share of challenges, especially when it comes to playoff performances. In three of his six playoff starts, Jackson has completed less than 55% of his passes. Additionally, the Ravens have failed to score more than 12 points in half of Jackson’s playoff games.
Julian Edelman, a former New England Patriots wide receiver and current analyst, did not mince words regarding Jackson's postseason struggles. "We need to see Lamar Jackson, who's been on a milk carton in the playoffs. He's missing," Edelman stated. This comment underscores the pressure on Jackson to translate his regular-season success into postseason victories.
Last year, the Ravens' playoff aspirations were dashed by the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game with a score of 17-10. The Chiefs, who have dominated the league recently, have won the last two Super Bowls. Victory in the upcoming Super Bowl LIX would make the Chiefs the first team in NFL history to win three consecutive Lombardi Trophies. Edelman, reflecting on the Chiefs' prowess, remarked, "I've learned my lesson, I'm never betting against the Chiefs again."
Julian Edelman himself has an impressive playoff pedigree. During his career with the Patriots, Edelman played in four Super Bowls, winning three of them. His standout performance came in Super Bowl LIII, where he caught 10 passes for 141 yards and was named MVP, as the Patriots triumphed over the Los Angeles Rams with a score of 13-3.
As the NFL season gets underway, the Cincinnati Bengals are also drawing attention as a potential challenger for the AFC title. The Bengals' resurgence adds another layer of intrigue to an already competitive conference landscape.
With the upcoming season set to unfold, all eyes will be on whether Lamar Jackson can shed the narratives of past postseason disappointments and if the Ravens can meet their high expectations. Simultaneously, the Kansas City Chiefs aim to cement their legacy with a historic Super Bowl victory, while other contenders like the Bengals eagerly vie for their shot at the title.