Patrick Mahomes’ Shocking Downgrade Steals Spotlight Amid ‘Unfair’ Lamar Jackson Controversy

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson finds himself under increasing scrutiny, with some analysts suggesting that his regular season accomplishments no longer matter due to his lack of postseason success. This sentiment was recently echoed by ESPN’s First Take crew, with Ryan Clark and Stephen A. Smith openly questioning Jackson’s ability to deliver when it counts most. However, not everyone agrees with this harsh assessment.

Lamar Jackson’s Regular Season Success Dismissed

On a recent episode of First Take, Ryan Clark stated, “We can’t live in the moment with Lamar Jackson anymore,” referencing Jackson’s impressive regular season performances but his inability to win a Super Bowl. Stephen A. Smith echoed these sentiments, suggesting that expectations for Jackson have shifted solely to postseason results. This perspective has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike.

Sarah Ellison, a former editor and writer for the Ravens, pushed back against this narrative on The Vault podcast. Acknowledging that Jackson has yet to win a Super Bowl, Ellison argued that it’s unfair for commentators like Clark and Smith to dismiss his upcoming season based on past playoff shortcomings.

“Ryan Clark said, ‘We can’t live in the moment with Lamar Jackson anymore.’ Why not? I can. If you choose not to, fine… and this unfair treatment isn’t unique to just Lamar, right?” Ellison said. “There’s fatigue with LeBron James… a lot of people are always predicting the demise of Patrick Mahomes… people get tired of greatness after a while. So, they do start to ignore it. But it is unfair to ignore greatness.”

Patrick Mahomes: From GOAT Contender to “Overhyped”?

Ellison’s comments highlight a broader trend in sports commentary: the tendency to downplay or even ignore greatness once it becomes familiar. This phenomenon is also affecting Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who, despite his historic achievements, is now facing doubts and criticism from some corners of the media.

Before Super Bowl LIX, Mahomes was widely regarded as an all-time great, with many ready to place him in the GOAT conversation. However, following the Super Bowl, critics quickly reevaluated his standing. Notably, Skip Bayless declared Mahomes “massively overhyped,” pointing to his “ordinary” regular season performances by his own lofty standards.

“These last two regular seasons, Patrick Mahomes has been shockingly ordinary by his ‘best in the NFL’ standards. I mean, [the] last two regular seasons… he finished eighth in QBR,” Bayless said. “It’s not bad, but he used to dominate… [and] his offense fell to 15th and 15th [again] in points scored the past two years. I mean, that’s pretty ordinary, right?”

Bayless further noted that Mahomes is still only 29 years old, dismissing any suggestion that age is a factor in his perceived decline. Despite three Super Bowl victories and two MVP awards before turning 30, Mahomes’ place among the NFL’s elite is being questioned by some, a clear sign that even sustained greatness can be taken for granted.

Mahomes Remains Focused Amid Criticism

Despite the criticism, Mahomes remains undeterred. He has made it clear that he values team success above individual accolades and is willing to sacrifice personal recognition for the chance to keep winning championships.

The 2025 season could be particularly significant for Mahomes, as it may mark his final year playing alongside star tight end Travis Kelce, who recently announced his engagement. The Chiefs will look to silence their critics and pursue another Super Bowl run, beginning with their season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers on September 5.

Conclusion

The ongoing debates surrounding Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes reflect a broader tendency in sports media to grow weary of greatness and set ever-higher expectations for star athletes. As Jackson looks to prove his postseason credentials and Mahomes aims to add to his already historic legacy, both quarterbacks will have a chance to remind their doubters why they are among the most electrifying talents in the NFL.

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