DeMeco Ryans doesn’t have a say on who will win the coveted MVP award at the end of the regular season, but he knows who his vote would go to if given the opportunity.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson continues to pick apart defenses every chance he gets amid a breakout season. Last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the reigning MVP threw for 207 yards and three touchdown passes while rushing for another 22 yards on nine carries.
The Houston Texans will try to contain the dual-threat option on Wednesday as part of a Netflix double-header on Christmas. Few teams have slowed down Jackson this season, which is why Ryans would vote for him to keep the award for another year.
DeMeco Ryans on Lamar Jackson:
“He defintley jumps off the tape as the best player I’ve seen this year. Talk about MVP, he’s definitely the MVP in my mind.” pic.twitter.com/QhwvoQIO0A
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) December 23, 2024
“Lamar is playing some of the best football he’s played,” Ryans said Monday. “He definitely jumps off the tape as the best player I’ve seen this year. You talk about MVP; he’s definitely the MVP in my mind just for what he’s doing, not only in the run game but also throwing the football. The accuracy, the decision-making like he’s playing unbelievable ball right now.”
Last season, Jackson guided Baltimore to the No. 1 seed in the AFC while throwing for 3,678 yards and 24 touchdowns. His legs picked up another 821 yards and five touchdowns.
If the season ended today, who should take home the MVP? 🏆
❤️ for Lamar Jackson
🔁 for Josh Allen #RavensFlock | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/DKjxetvNX0— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) December 23, 2024
While the Ravens might not secure the top spot in the AFC this season, Jackson’s put up better numbers in fewer games. He’s already posted career-highs in passing yards (3,787), passing touchdowns (37), yards per attempt (8.9) and passer rating (120.6) while throwing a career-low four interceptions.
“He can buy time and throw the ball down field, throw the deep passes. It’s a matter of just working together as a defense,” Ryans said. “Not only D-line, but linebackers, secondary. It’s everyone just working together. Being disciplined in our coverages, being disciplined in our rushes. Everyone just being dialed in.”
Jackson is second in MVP odds behind Bills quarterback Josh Allen, but the MVP race isn’t over yet. Ryans hopes Jackson doesn’t have the kind of spectacular Christmas Day.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
