RADIO
The NFL is a league of quarterbacks, and every year, fans and analysts debate who are the best ones in the game. Some criteria used to evaluate quarterbacks are their statistics, wins, awards, and impact on their teams. However, there is no definitive answer to who is the best quarterback, as different quarterbacks have different styles, strengths, weaknesses, and situations.
In this article, I will compare and contrast two of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the NFL today: Justin Fields of the Chicago Bears and Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens. Unlike my Travis Kelce-Dalton Kincaid article, this isn't about Fields replacing Jackson, as Lamar has a long career ahead of himself. This article is more of a comparison.
Both are dual-threat quarterbacks who can run and pass equally but have had very different career paths. Fields struggled in his first two seasons with the Bears, while Jackson thrived in his first four seasons with the Ravens. How do they compare their strengths, weaknesses, and achievements? Let's take a closer look.
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Strengths and Weaknesses
One of the most apparent strengths that both Fields and Jackson share is their running ability. They are excellent runners who can extend plays and create significant gains with their legs. They have speed, agility, and elusiveness, making them hard to tackle in the open field. They also have good vision and instincts to find lanes and avoid defenders. They can also use their running threat to keep defenses honest and open passing lanes.
Justin Fields averaged 6.45 yards per carry in his first two seasons, which is better than Jackson's 5.8 yards per carry in the same span. Fields also had 10 rushing touchdowns in his first 25 games, while Jackson had nine in his first 25 games. Fields also had six runs of 20 yards or more in his first two seasons, while Jackson had five.
However, running is one of many things Fields and Jackson can do well. They also have good arm strength. They can stretch the field vertically and challenge defenses with their big-play potential. They can also make throws on the run and improvise when the pocket breaks down.
Fields averaged 7.1 yards per pass attempt in his first two seasons, slightly lower than Jackson's 7.3 yards per pass attempt in the same span. However, Fields had a higher percentage of passes that went for 20 yards or more (10.4%) than Jackson (9.6%). Fields also had a higher percentage of passes that went for 40 yards or more (3%) than Jackson (2.4%).
Fields has improved his passing accuracy and decision-making, especially on intermediate routes and against zone coverage. He has also shown good touch and anticipation on some throws, placing the ball where only his receiver can get it. He has shown flashes of accuracy and touch on his deep balls.
Jackson has shown exceptional ability to read defenses and exploit mismatches with quick release and ball placement. He has also shown great poise and leadership in clutch situations, leading several game-winning drives and comebacks. He's demonstrated accuracy and consistency on his short passes, such as his slant routes to Mark Andrews. He has also shown accuracy and touch on his intermediate passes.
Despite their strengths, Fields and Jackson have some areas of improvement that they need to work on to become more consistent and efficient passers. They have also faced some challenges and limitations due to their teams and situations.
Fields needs help with accuracy and timing on short passes and against man coverage. He has also been prone to turnovers and sacks, partly due to his tendency to hold the ball too long and try to make something happen. He has also dealt with poor offensive line play, injuries, and coaching changes that have affected his performance and development.
Fields completed only 60% of his passes within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage in his first two seasons, which is lower than Jackson's 66% in the same span. Fields also threw 16 interceptions in his first 25 games, while Jackson threw 12 in his first 25 games. Fields also took 69 sacks in his first 25 games, while Jackson took 48 in his first 25 games.
Fields has dealt with adversity and instability in Chicago, from poor coaching to injuries to a lackluster supporting cast. He played under multiple offensive coordinators in his first few seasons, each with different schemes and philosophies. He also spent some time out due to injury early in his career, further disrupting his development.
On the other hand, Lamar Jackson has faced challenges of his own. Early in his career, critics questioned his ability as a pocket passer and whether he could consistently make throws downfield. Some defenses dared him to beat them with his arm rather than his legs. While Jackson has made significant strides as a passer, there are still areas where he can improve.
One notable area for improvement in Jackson's game is his consistency on deep throws. While he has shown the ability to make impressive deep passes, there have been instances where he needed help with accuracy on long throws. Improving this aspect of his game would make him an even more potent dual-threat quarterback, forcing defenses to defend the short and deep passing game.
The Lamar Jackson Cam on these 2 game-winning throws are sweet pic.twitter.com/YLdX9WOxqO
— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) December 12, 2023
Additionally, both quarterbacks have faced challenges related to their offensive lines. While Fields dealt with protection issues and met more sacks, Jackson has had to navigate situations where the offensive line struggled to provide a consistent pocket for him. Improvements in offensive line play can significantly impact a quarterback's ability to perform, and both Fields and Jackson would benefit from more reliable protection.
Achievements and Impact
When comparing the achievements and impact of Justin Fields and Lamar Jackson, it's essential to consider the context of their respective teams. Jackson burst onto the scene, winning the NFL MVP award in his second season, a remarkable accomplishment. His ability to consistently make significant contributions with his arm and legs has solidified his status as one of the league's premier quarterbacks.
On the other hand, Fields has faced a more challenging situation in Chicago. The Bears have struggled with consistency, and Fields has had to adapt to changes in coaching staff and offensive schemes. While his rookie season might not have yielded the same level of success as Jackson's, there are promising signs of growth and potential.
Fields showcased his ability to thrive in high-pressure situations, delivering clutch plays and demonstrating resilience despite adversity. His mobility and poise under pressure have been evident, which are traits that bode well for his future development. As the Bears continue to build around him and provide a more stable environment, Fields can significantly impact the team's success.
Both quarterbacks share the ability to elevate their teams with their unique skill sets. Jackson's impact on the Ravens is undeniable, as he has been a driving force behind their success in recent years. Whether converting crucial third downs with his legs or delivering a pinpoint throw in a critical moment, Jackson has shown the ability to lead his team to victory.
Similarly, Fields could be a transformative figure for the Chicago Bears. His combination of athleticism and arm talent presents challenges for opposing defenses, and as he continues to develop, he could become a central figure in the Bears' quest for success. The impact of a dynamic quarterback extends beyond statistics, influencing the morale and confidence of the entire team.
Future Outlook
The NFL's most exciting and dynamic quarterbacks could be Justin Fields and Lamar Jackson. Both have shown flashes of brilliance and have the potential to dominate the league for years. However, their future outlooks depend on several factors, such as their strengths, weaknesses, and the support they receive from their teams.
Fields is a third-year player with a steep learning curve in his first few seasons. He has shown excellent arm strength, accuracy, and mobility but also struggled with turnovers, sacks, and injuries. He needs to improve his decision-making, pocket awareness, and reading defenses. The Bears are the front-runners for the first overall pick via the Panthers, and if they select a quarterback, they will likely send Fields to a new team. Fields has the potential to be a franchise quarterback, but he needs the right environment to thrive.
Jackson is a former MVP who has already proven himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the league. His electrifying runs, clutch plays, and improved passing have dazzled fans. He has led the Ravens to multiple playoff appearances and has been a consistent winner. However, he still faces challenges, such as overcoming his playoff woes, staying healthy, and expanding his passing repertoire. The Ravens have done an excellent job of building a team around him recently by adding more receivers. Jackson could be a Hall of Famer, but he needs to keep evolving his game.
In summary, Justin Fields and Lamar Jackson are two quarterbacks with bright futures ahead of them. They have different strengths, weaknesses, and situations but have the talent and drive to succeed. They are not identical players but share similarities in style and impact. As they continue to grow and develop, NFL fans can expect to see them shine and shape the league.
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