Lamar Jackson tops NBC Sports’ Chris Simms quarterback rankings.
Though NBC Sports’ Chris Simms has been a frequent supporter of Lamar Jackson, he has failed to rank him among his top three quarterbacks in annual rankings. That was until this season, where Jackson topped Simms’ list.
“Nobody’s playing quarterback right now better than Lamar Jackson,” Simms said. “He’s conquered something that I’ve only seen a few people conquer in my whole life with his skillset. Arguably the greatest running quarterback in the history of the game, he has become unreal in the pocket [with] making decisions throwing the football.”
Jackson’s edged out Buffalo Bills’ QB Josh Allen for the No. 1 spot, and Simms explained why he placed Jackson at No. 1, even though he voted for Allen for MVP.
“[The] Ravens were awesome. [Jackson] had a really good team. He had a better support system around him,” Simms said. “He didn’t always have to make magic happen on a week-to-week basis like a Josh Allen did… so that’s why I gave Josh Allen the MVP. But that doesn’t mean [Allen] played as good a quarterback play on a week-to-week basis. Lamar Jackson is out of this world. I mean out of this world.”
Simms then admitted he is questioning his MVP vote for the 2024 season.
“He’s one of those where I go back and watch and I go, ‘I don’t know, did I make the right vote?’ I’m not sure. I mean, seriously, it’s that. I mean, 41 [touchdowns] and four [interceptions]? 4,000 yards passing, 900 yards [rushing], I mean, what do you want to say? It’s incredible. And it’s through all facets of how you could do it.”
It sure sounds like Simms knew he made the wrong choice for MVP but his self-admitted fascination for “moments” and crediting the Ravens’ offense being better gave Allen the edge for him.