Former Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger provides critique of Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson and his contract have been talked about from every angle imaginable. Even his former competitors are getting in on the discourse. Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger played against Jackson three times in his career and won all three games. And while Roethlisberger recognizes the arm talent and athleticism of Jackson, he's not […]
Lamar Jackson and his contract have been talked about from every angle imaginable. Even his former competitors are getting in on the discourse.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger played against Jackson three times in his career and won all three games. And while Roethlisberger recognizes the arm talent and athleticism of Jackson, he's not sold on the other aspects of his game.
Roethlisberger gave his take on the former MVP in his podcast, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger.
"You don't really fear Lamar's arm, his accuracy, all the time," Roethlisberger said. "He's got a huge arm, he can make things happen when he scrambles, and whatever. You don't fear him just sitting in the pocket and picking you apart."
It's a common take regarding Jackson, who's fighting for a fully guaranteed contract offer from the Baltimore Ravens. He was given the non-exclusive franchise tag this offseason just days after requesting a trade from the club.
RGIII's right, by the way. Going all the way back to 2009, Lamar does have a better career passer rating and QBR in the pocket compared to Roethlisberger.
Roethlisberger's way of winning was unique in ways like Jackson's game. The two-time Super Bowl champ used to barrel his way in and around the pocket, bouncing off would-be sackers on his way to completing big passes down the field. He absorbed a lot of contact in ways most other quarterbacks can't due to his size.
Jackson has his own way of succeeding outside the pocket, but his work within structure is fine on its own, and he doesn't take on nearly as much contact as Roethlisberger used to.
Accuracy issues aside, it's an outdated trope used against the former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback.
