Lamar Jackson’s Shock Drop from the NFL Top 100 Leaves Ravens Fans Reeling

When the NFL’s Top 100 players list was released this week, most eyes were glued to the usual suspects—Mahomes, Allen, Hurts. What caught everyone off guard, though, was the absence of Baltimore’s own Lamar Jackson. The former MVP, who’s been a poster‑boy for dual‑threat quarterback play, didn’t make a single spot on the fan‑voted countdown.

Jackson, who was perched at No. 13 on the 2022 list, now finds himself unranked altogether. It’s a stark contrast to just a year ago when he was still being hailed as one of the league’s most exciting talents. The drop feels especially brutal given the emotional roller coaster of the 2023‑24 campaign: a lingering ankle injury, a middling 9‑8 record, and a series of close losses that left the Ravens on the outside of the playoff picture.

“Honestly, I’m not shocked,” Jackson told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday. “If you watch the tape, you see the games where we came up short, and the guys voting have that in mind.” His measured response mirrored the measured tone of the team’s own offseason narrative—one of cautious optimism tempered by the need for consistency.

The fan‑vote nature of the Top 100 often reflects more than raw statistics; it captures perception. In Jackson’s case, the perception has shifted. While his 2023 stats—3,271 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, plus 622 rushing yards—still look solid on paper, the turnover ratio (12 interceptions) and a sub‑par passer rating of 92.5 have raised eyebrows.

Critics also point to the Ravens’ offensive line, which has struggled to protect him consistently. In the six games where Jackson was sacked more than twice, the Ravens lost five. The injuries to key linemen have forced Jackson to scramble more, exposing him to extra hits that some argue could shorten his career.

That said, the quarterback’s supporters argue the Top 100 snub is premature. “Lamar’s still an elite athlete with a unique skill set,” said former Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman. “He’s a game‑changer when he’s healthy. One bad season shouldn’t erase his entire résumé.”

Beyond the numbers, there’s an emotional element to consider. Ravens fans have witnessed the quarterback’s meteoric rise from a third‑round pick to a Super Bowl‑contending star. The sudden disappearance from the Top 100 feels, to many, like an unceremonious ‘good‑bye’ to an era.

Looking ahead, the Ravens have already signaled a shift in strategy. The front office is reportedly exploring ways to lighten the load on Jackson, perhaps by incorporating more short‑pass concepts and tightening up the run‑block scheme. In the upcoming free‑agency period, Baltimore could add a veteran guard or two to shore up protection.

Meanwhile, the quarterback himself has hinted at a renewed focus on the passing game. In a recent interview, he said, “I’ve always been about making plays, but I’m working on getting the ball out quicker, hitting the intermediate routes, and letting the guys do their thing downfield.” If he can blend his natural mobility with a more disciplined pocket presence, the narrative might change before the next Top 100 rollout.

For now, the omission serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in the NFL. One season you’re a headline act; the next, you’re a footnote in a fan‑generated list. Whether Jackson bounces back to re‑enter the conversation—or decides to reinvent his game altogether—remains to be seen. What’s certain is that the Baltimore faithful will be watching every snap, hoping their former MVP can climb back into the conversation he once dominated.