Ravens Hit With Alarming News Regarding Lamar Jackson That The Steelers Will Love

The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering the 2026 season surrounded by change, history, and expectations. After decades of stability under Mike Tomlin, the franchise will begin a new era with Mike McCarthy taking over as head coach. McCarthy becomes just the fourth Steelers head coach since 1969, marking a rare transition for one of the NFL’s most consistent organizations. While the Steelers remain one of the most storied franchises in professional sports, they are still searching for their first playoff victory since the 2016 season.

That urgency will define the Steelers’ 2026 campaign. Pittsburgh is coming off an AFC North championship in 2025, but the postseason ended in familiar disappointment after a 24-point home playoff loss. Winning the division was a step in the right direction, but the Steelers know the standard in Pittsburgh is much higher. If they want to make a deeper run this time, they will need to keep a close eye on the rest of the AFC North, especially their biggest rival, the Baltimore Ravens.

The Ravens remain a major obstacle thanks to the presence of quarterback Lamar Jackson, one of the most dynamic players in the NFL. A two-time league MVP, Jackson has consistently proven that he can change the outcome of games with both his arm and his legs. However, Jackson recently received a surprising ranking from NFL players, falling 67 spots compared to where he was ranked heading into the 2025 season. On the surface, that development could be viewed as positive news for Steelers fans.

A significant drop like that raises questions, but it could also serve as extra motivation for Jackson entering the 2026 season. At 29 years old, the Ravens quarterback will have an opportunity to remind the league that he remains one of the most dangerous players in football. For Pittsburgh, the hope is that the ranking reflects a potential decline, but the bigger concern is that Jackson uses the criticism as fuel and returns with an even bigger chip on his shoulder.

After Jackson was awarded his first MVP award, he entered the 2020 season ranked as the top player in football. Heading into both the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Jackson was ranked No. 2 overall. That makes his 67-spot drop even more significant, and it is becoming harder to ignore as a potential sign of how players around the league view him entering the next stage of his career.

Steelers' Rival No Longer Viewed Around The League As The Best

Typically, when these rankings are released, the movement from year to year is not drastic. For a two-time MVP quarterback still in the prime of his career to fall 67 spots, especially in a ranking voted on by players who have competed against him and others around the league, it is certainly worth paying attention to. 

It could suggest that some players no longer view Jackson as the same unstoppable force he once was. However, the bigger question is whether this ranking reflects a true shift in perception or whether it gives Jackson the extra motivation to prove the league wrong once again. For now, Steelers fans will laugh at this falloff, but nothing matters until Pittsburgh's defense faces Jackson two times in the 2026 season.

Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X (@anthonyghalkias) and consider following for more Steelers-related content and discussion. I’m always open to hearing different perspectives, breaking down games, and talking all things Pittsburgh football. Whether it’s roster moves, coaching decisions, or game-day reactions, I read and respond whenever I can. +

#SteelerNation