Ravens’ Lamar Jackson can join Peyton Manning in exclusive NFL history originally appeared on The Sporting News

There are few takes in NFL history that will age worse than the people who said Lamar Jackson should change positions as a professional.

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It was absurd then, and it grew into one of the worst sports prognostications ever. Jackson is an absolute superstar quarterback.

And it’s in that position that Jackson has the chance to make history that hasn’t been done in 20 years.

Jackson has been the first-team All-Pro quarterback each of the past two seasons (ironically, he didn’t even get MVP last year because Josh Allen won it, but Jackson beat out Allen for first-team All-Pro).

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The last QB to earn that honor three seasons in a row was Peyton Manning for the Indianapolis Colts from 2003 to 2005, according to ESPN Research.

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Jackson is coming off the best passing season of his career. He threw both for a career-best in passing yards, with 4,172, and in passing touchdowns, with 41.

He’s still a dynamic runner of course, too. That was enhanced by last season’s addition of Derrick Henry, who forced defenses to make the impossible choice of who to shade toward during potential option run plays.

Baltimore is a popular pick to finally get over the hump this season and win a Super Bowl.

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The Ravens open their season in the spotlight. They’ll play Sunday Night Football of Week 1 on Sept. 7, taking on the Buffalo Bills and Allen.

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It’ll be an MVP-level quarterback battle, one that should draw massive viewership for the league right off the bat.

It’ll also set the tone in the AFC. The winner will have a leg up on pursuit of home-field advantage.

It’s early, but Jackson has a chance at another special season. And if he puts together his best yet, he might just join Manning in history.

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