The Baltimore Ravens are off to a disappointing 1-3 start and suddenly sit in third place in the AFC North standings through the first four weeks of the NFL season. Quarterback Lamar Jackson was among the players with the best MVP odds heading into Week 4 but he’s caught some criticism following a lackluster performance against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
First Things First host Nick Wright compared Lamar Jackson to NBA star James Harden on Monday, saying that teams are unable to win with their style of play despite their star power and individual accomplishments. “An all-time legendary First Ballot Hall of Fame MVP performer that you simply can’t trust when the chips are down,” Wright explained on the show.
“I wasn’t wrong about this comp. I’m sorry guys. An all-time legendary First Ballot Hall of Fame MVP performer that you simply can’t trust when the chips are down.”@getnickwright drops a Lamar Jackson-James Harden banner: pic.twitter.com/Eb9zJx0J4L
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) September 29, 2025
Wright Points Out Lamar Jackson’s Turnover In Big Games
Wright pointed to Jackson’s turnovers and poor performance in big games as primary reasons for the comparison. In his last 30 games, Jackson has committed multiple turnovers in just three games and all of them came against the other top contenders in the AFC, the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs (twice).
Two of those games included postseason exits for the Ravens. Jackson had an interception and a fumble against the Chiefs in the 2023 AFC Championship Game and repeated that performance in the AFC Divisional Round versus the Bills last season. Then, in what felt like an early-season must-win game for Baltimore, Jackson had another two turnover game and left the game in the third quarter with an apparent injury. Though, many fans and reports questioned whether Jackson quit on his teammates with the score out of reach.
Breaking 🚨
Lamar Jackson sitting on bench with an apparent “injury”, but no medical staff near him and didn’t enter the tent.
Sounds like he’s just quitting on the #Ravens..pic.twitter.com/JgXzwWK02t
— Larry Foster (@LarryFosterNFL) September 28, 2025
Despite winning two NFL MVP awards, Jackson has a career 3-5 overall record in the NFL Playoffs and has never advanced to the Super Bowl. Through four games this year, the 28-year-old has passed for 869 yards with 10 touchdowns and only one interception while adding 166 rushing yards and a score on the ground.
Will Jackson Play Through Injury In Week 5?
The Ravens currently trail the Pittsburgh Steelers by two games in the AFC North standings. Baltimore will take on the Houston Texans in Week 5, followed by the L.A. Rams in Week 6 before getting a much-needed bye week.
Jackon’s status for Week 5 is currently unclear.
If he’s unable to go, backup QB Cooper Rush is expected to start under center for the Ravens.Rush finished 9-of-13 for 52 yards against the Chiefs.
