NFL DC Bashes Lamar Jackson for Playoff Loss to Chiefs: ‘Can’t Pass When He Has To’

Lamar Jackson’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game has raised concerns about the Baltimore Ravens star’s performance in the playoffs moving forward.

“He’s a 1 with limitations for me,” one NFL defensive coordinator told Mike Sando of The Athletic. “You can win a lot of games with him. When you watched it against Kansas City, he can’t pass when he has to. That is still true. But he is still a wonderful football player.”

Jackson has exceeded expectations since he was selected by the Ravens with the No. 32 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, earning three Pro Bowl nods and winning the second MVP award of his career in 2023.

He dominated defenses through the air and on the ground last season, completing a career-high 67.2 percent of his throws for 3,678 yards and 24 touchdowns while leading Baltimore to the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Jackson added 821 yards and five more scores as a runner.

Lamar finds Justice Hill on the wheel route for six!

📺: #MIAvsBAL on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/sFjqko01pD pic.twitter.com/um1SQA7dm1

— NFL (@NFL) December 31, 2023

The one blemish on the 27-year-old’s résumé has been his performance in the postseason, as he’s 2-4 in six playoff starts.

He struggled against Kansas City, finishing 20-for-37 with 272 yards to go along with a touchdown and an interception. Jackson’s mistake was costly, as he was picked off with the Ravens attempting to mount a double-digit comeback in the fourth quarter.

LAMAR GETS PICKED OFF 😳

(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/eu0E1eJk0x

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 28, 2024

Jackson has thrived as a dual-threat quarterback dating back to his college days at Louisville, but questions about his arm talent still surrounded him throughout the start of his NFL career.

As he looks to help the Ravens earn a third consecutive playoff appearance next season, he’ll also attempt to silence doubts regarding his passing ability in the postseason.