M-V-P! NFL Expert Anoints Ravens' Lamar 'Most Impactful' NFL Player

FS1 host Colin Cowherd is throwing his support behind Baltimore Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson as this season's NFL MVP.

Without their starting quarterback last year, the Dallas Cowboys went 5-1. With their starting quarterback this season, the Miami Dolphins have only beaten one team with a winning record. And with their starting quarterback throwing four interceptions, the San Francisco 49ers were blown off the field in a Christmas night showdown between the two best teams in football

Bottom line: Lamar Jackson is not only indispensable to the Baltimore Ravens, but also the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 2023. 

Jackson's 297-yard, two-touchdown performance in the 33-19 romp over the Niners in prime time distanced him from the pack of MVP candidates that had previously included candidates such as Dak Prescott, Tua Tagovailoa and Brock Purdy. That's the takeaway from Fox Sports 1 host Colin Cowherd, who on Wednesday anointed Jackson as the league's best, most impactful player.

Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports

"Lamar's stats are good, but his influence and impact are remarkable," Cowherd said during a passionate rant stumping for Jackson. "When he plays, the Ravens are the best team in the NFL this season. When he doesn't, they are a losing team with a BB gun offense."

To his point, Jackson badly outplayed Purdy last Monday night. The Cowboys have so  many offensive weapons that they won five of six game with Cooper Rush playing quarterback. And the Dolphins with Tua have just one signature win this season - over Dak's Cowboys on Christmas Eve.

With Lamar, the Ravens have defeated nine teams with a winning record and beaten seven of them by 14+ points.

"I hope this resonates a little... I want you to remember the words impact and influence."

— @ColinCowherd breaks down Lamar Jackson's greatness pic.twitter.com/vjFsX8i4vs

— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) December 27, 2023

"Lamar is easily the most influential player in the NFL this season," Cowherd said. "Linebackers get humiliated by him. Ask (49ers star) Fred Warner, who was neutralized for the first time this season. He dominates every Sunday. But against Lamar he looked kind of pedestrian."

With Jackson in uniform since 2019 the Raves are 52-20, averaging 27 points and 383 yards. Without him they are 4-9, averaging 17 points and 318 yards.

Lamar Rips Florio: 'Clickbait for His Little Channel'

In part because of Lamar's athleticism - and merely the threat of his running - the Ravens lead the NFL in rushing by almost 20 yards per game.

"Ever notice that the Ravens running game is always good?" Cowherd said. "And what are they on ... their 13th running back this season and 28th over the last four years?"

---