Lamar Jackson’s Slide: Cowherd Favors Bo Nix Over MVP

Jackson’s Fall in the NFL Top 100

One season after earning a second‑place finish on the league’s player‑voted Top 100 list, Lamar Jackson now sits 69th on the 2026 offseason ranking. The drop has sparked fresh debate about his recent performance and durability. For the Ravens and their fan base, the ranking underscores how quickly perceptions can shift when a key player is absent. It also highlights the rigors of maintaining elite status in a quarterback‑rich era.

Cowherd Calls Time on His Trust in Jackson

During an episode of The Herd, Colin Cowherd bluntly declared he no longer trusts Jackson in a big‑spot situation. The commentator linked the loss of confidence to a noticeable dip in Jackson’s rushing workload—down from an average of ten attempts per game to roughly five last year. Cowherd labeled the trend a sign of physical decline, warning that Jackson is a “declining player” despite still being above average. He added that he held his “stock” too long and now sees younger arms as safer bets.

Why Cowherd Picks Bo Nix Over Jackson in Clutches

When pressed about a fourth‑quarter comeback scenario, Cowherd put Bo Nix ahead of the two‑time MVP, citing analytics and a memorable playoff performance. He pointed to Nix’s ability to go toe‑to‑toe with Josh Allen while playing with a broken ankle as evidence of his clutch poise. The comparison underscores Cowherd’s belief that the data favors the younger quarterback in high‑pressure moments. He also contrasted Jackson’s trajectory with other emerging arms like Drake Maye, Caleb Williams, and the veteran Matt Stafford, noting the depth of talent now competing for premier roles.

Implications for Baltimore and Its Future

Baltimore’s recent season ended with a missed AFC North title after a last‑second field goal slipped wide, and the absence of Jackson seemed to amplify the disappointment. Even with the talent pool surrounding the franchise, the Ravens’ offensive identity feels altered without their star quarterback at full health. Meanwhile, the organization boasts one of the league’s brightest young defensive minds in Jesse Minter, hinting that coaching could offset some of the on‑field shortcomings. As the NFL moves forward, the debate over Jackson’s trajectory will likely shape how teams evaluate quarterback durability and performance longevity.