Lamar Jackson is facing a blunt reality check ahead of the 2026 NFL season, with ESPN’s Louis Riddick warning that the Baltimore Ravens quarterback will receive little sympathy if the team’s struggles continue.
Jackson enters his ninth NFL season with two MVP awards and four Pro Bowl selections, but the Ravens are still searching for the success that has eluded them in the playoffs.
Last season ended with an 8-9 record and a 26-24 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers that kept Baltimore out of the postseason. John Harbaugh and his coaching staff were subsequently replaced.
Lamar Jackson will face intense pressure under Jesse Minter
New head coach Jesse Minter, offensive coordinator Declan Doyle and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver have brought fresh optimism to Baltimore.
However, Riddick believes Jackson will remain the main focus if things fail to improve.
Speaking on First Take, Riddick said: ‘There is no grace period in Baltimore. And who’s going to be the person who all the attention is going to be focused on? It will be Lamar.’
The former NFL executive then explained why Jackson’s game will come under such close scrutiny.
‘It will be him because it’s always him. Because it’s always the quarterback, and his game will be picked apart from A to Z,’ Riddick said.
That could mean questions about almost every part of Jackson’s game, from his rushing to his passing and his ability to stay healthy.
Jackson missed three games last season with a hamstring injury and another with a tailbone bruise. In 13 appearances, he also had four games without a touchdown through either passing or rushing.
The Ravens’ playoff hopes eventually disappeared after their narrow loss to Pittsburgh.
Jackson has nevertheless embraced the changes in Baltimore.
Back in May, he described Minter and the new coaching staff as ‘a breath of fresh air’, while training camp has brought further optimism around the team.
The quarterback has reportedly developed a strong connection with rookie wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane, while Mark Andrews has also impressed during camp.
Jackson has also taken on a bigger leadership role.
But the pressure will only increase once the regular season begins.
If Baltimore improves and Jackson leads the Ravens back into the playoffs, much of the criticism will fade quickly. If the problems return, Riddick’s warning suggests Jackson will be the first player asked to explain why.
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