Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson has a long way to go before he can become only the second man in history to hoist the Heisman Trophy twice. But what the young man has accomplished early in the season has us believing he has a realistic chance to match the great Archie Griffin.
In his first two games this season, Jackson has picked up pretty much where he left off in 2016. He’s put up 1,010 total yards and eight touchdowns, helping the Cardinals overcome some pretty awful defensive efforts to go 2-0 to open the season.
Just like what we saw in his sophomore campaign, Jackson is still raw. He still does things sometimes that make you say, “What was he thinking?”
He had one of those moments on Saturday and got lucky he didn’t get picked off near the goal line (watch here).
That said, he is clearly developing into a better pocket passer. Jackson has delivered strikes to receivers who are not exactly wide open, finding them in some tight windows with precise accuracy and timing.
https://twitter.com/MichaelJKist/status/904173742489784320
Of course, he is still just as dangerous as ever utilizing those insane wheels he sports. Here’s a good example of how well Jackson can move in the pocket to make a big play with his arm on a throw not many can execute like he did.
Lamar Jackson makes NFL throws every weekhttps://t.co/ESWZeoJpCu
— 2024 NFL Draft (@DraftRT) September 9, 2017
The vision to see the rush is special. The athleticism to avoid the rush is special. The rocket of an arm Jackson possesses is one that will serve him well at the next level, too.
Jackson is also unrivaled when it comes to simply taking off and making a play with his feet past the line of scrimmage. He didn’t score in Week 1 but made up for it with a trio of touchdown runs in Week 2, including one that had social media on fire (watch here).
This is a once-in-a-generation talent we’re watching right now. He’s truly special.
It’s worth pointing out that Jackson and the Cardinals haven’t faced any big-time tests yet. But we won’t have to wait long to see if he can perform at a Heisman level against a top team. Clemson is up next for Action Jackson, and we can’t wait to see what he does against that brutish defense at home in Week 3.
Until then, it’s safe to say Jackson has a very real chance to repeat as the Heisman Trophy winner. We’re only just past the first turn on this circuitous ride, but so far Jackson is in full control of the Heisman race.