Lamar Jackson’s ‘Unfair’ Critique: Is Patrick Mahomes’ Decline the New Narrative?

As the NFL gears up for the 2025 season, the spotlight on quarterbacks is as intense as ever.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson finds himself in a precarious position, facing scrutiny over his postseason performances.

ESPN’s First Take crew, particularly Ryan Clark and Stephen A. Smith, recently suggested that Jackson’s regular-season accomplishments no longer matter due to his playoff shortcomings.

This harsh reality has sparked a backlash, with former Ravens editor Sarah Ellison stepping up to defend Jackson.

On The Vault podcast, Ellison expressed her frustration with the narrative surrounding Jackson, emphasizing the unfair treatment he receives.

“Ryan Clark said, ‘We can’t live in the moment with Lamar Jackson anymore,’” Ellison pointed out.

“Why not? I can. If you choose not to, fine… and this unfair treatment isn’t unique to just Lamar, right?”

Her comments highlight a broader issue in sports commentary—how greatness is often overlooked when it becomes commonplace.

Ellison noted that fatigue with superstar athletes can lead to dismissive attitudes, referencing the ongoing critiques of LeBron James and the constant predictions of Patrick Mahomes’ decline.

“People get tired of greatness after a while,” she added, stressing that it’s unfair to ignore the remarkable achievements of athletes like Jackson and Mahomes.

Indeed, the narrative surrounding Mahomes has shifted significantly in recent months.

Once hailed as the potential GOAT (Greatest of All Time), Mahomes has faced growing skepticism regarding his performance.

Before Super Bowl LIX, many pundits were ready to crown him as the best quarterback in NFL history.

However, following the game, that perception began to wane.

Skip Bayless, a prominent sports commentator, went so far as to label Mahomes as “massively overhyped,” arguing that his recent seasons have been “shockingly ordinary” by his own lofty standards.

“Over the last two regular seasons, he finished eighth in QBR,” Bayless remarked, questioning Mahomes’ elite status.

He further criticized the Chiefs’ offensive performance, pointing out that they ranked 15th in points scored in both of those seasons.

“Isn’t that pretty ordinary?” he asked, seemingly downplaying Mahomes’ past accomplishments.

What’s particularly striking is that Mahomes is only 29 years old.

Despite his impressive resume—three Super Bowl victories and two MVP awards—many are quick to dismiss his greatness.

The fact that Bayless and others fail to recognize Mahomes’ achievements serves as a reminder of how greatness can be disrespected in the world of sports.

Mahomes himself is aware of the noise surrounding his perceived decline.

However, he remains unfazed by the criticism, prioritizing team success over individual accolades.

“I’d gladly give up any and all individual accolades to keep capturing Lombardi Trophies,” he stated, underscoring his commitment to winning above all else.

As the 2025 campaign approaches, Mahomes is poised for a pivotal season, especially with Travis Kelce, his longtime tight end, potentially playing his last year in the league.

The duo is set to kick off the season against the Los Angeles Chargers on September 5, and there’s a palpable sense of urgency for Mahomes to return to form.

A strong showing this season could not only solidify Mahomes’ legacy but also provide a fitting farewell for Kelce, who recently got engaged.

In the end, the narratives surrounding Jackson and Mahomes highlight the complexities of sports commentary.

While Jackson faces unjust scrutiny for his playoff performances, Mahomes grapples with the shifting perceptions of his greatness.

As both quarterbacks prepare for the upcoming season, fans will be watching closely to see how they respond to the pressures and expectations placed upon them.

Will Jackson rise above the criticism and prove his doubters wrong?

Can Mahomes reclaim his status as the league’s premier quarterback and silence his critics once and for all?

One thing is certain: the drama surrounding these two quarterbacks will keep fans on the edge of their seats as the 2025 NFL season unfolds.