Lamar Jackson laughs off concerns about declining rushing production

[ASFN Admin]

Lamar Jackson spent the beginning of his NFL career answering questions about whether he could succeed as a passer. The criticism has moved in the opposite direction as he enters his ninth season. After Jackson finished 2025 with career lows of 349 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, questions have surfaced about whether the Baltimore Ravens quarterback remains the same threat as a runner.

Jackson finds the reversal amusing.

“Early on in my career, it was, ‘He can’t throw. He’s a running back,’” Jackson said on “The Lounge” podcast. “Now it’s, ‘He’s not running enough.’ It’s pick your poison.”

Injuries affected Jackson during a season in which he missed four games and made only 13 starts. His rushing volume also reflected an approach centered on taking what defenses gave rather than forcing himself to scramble.

“I’m the type of player you’ve got to pick your poison,” Jackson said. “I’m approaching defenses with whatever they give me. I’m going to take that. I’m trying to score. I’m trying to move the ball down the field.”

Jackson’s ability to escape pressure and turn broken plays into significant gains remains one of the attributes that separates him from other quarterbacks. He does not believe proving he can still run requires abandoning sound decisions or creating unnecessary contact.

“If I don’t have to run, I’m not going to run,” Jackson said. “I’m not going to force anything. I’m trying to win, so you’ve got to use your mind.”

Jackson reported for training camp feeling healthier and in better condition after adding boxing to his offseason workouts. That preparation should help him regain some of the explosiveness that injuries limited last season.

Baltimore would benefit from a more productive rushing season by Jackson, but his remarks indicate the offense will continue to allow game situations to determine his usage. Opponents must account for his legs regardless of how frequently he uses them.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Lamar Jackson laughs off concerns about declining rushing production

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