Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson isn't shying away from the weight of expectation. When asked what would make the 2026 season a success, the two-time MVP didn't hesitate: "Winning it all."
Jackson, who missed four games last year due to injury, still managed to put up solid numbers—2,549 passing yards, 349 rushing yards, and 23 total touchdowns. When he's on the field for a full 17-game slate, he's capable of putting up video-game-like stats that could carry Baltimore deep into January.
With a new coaching staff in place—head coach Jesse Minter and offensive coordinator Declan Doyle—the pressure is on to finally break through. The Ravens have consistently been contenders, but playoff heartbreak has haunted them. For Jackson, anything less than a Lombardi Trophy would be a disappointment.
He's not alone in that mindset. Running back Derrick Henry, who joined the Ravens last season, made it clear on The Lounge podcast that he's chasing a ring with Jackson. "It would be crazy for me to say I played with Lamar Jackson and we didn't win no championships," Henry said. "I cannot have that. I do not want that to be a thing. We've got to do it."
Henry, known for his bruising running style, is tired of watching playoffs from his couch. "I just want to be able to feel that feeling," he said. "I'm tired of watching. Every year, I'm tired of being at home on the couch watching. I want to be a part of it. That's what's motivating me right now. I'm going to keep going until we get to that point."
The Ravens have the talent—Jackson and Henry form one of the most dynamic backfield duos in the league, and the defense has playmakers at every level. But talent alone hasn't been enough in past postseasons. Baltimore has struggled to get over the hump, and the window with Jackson is still open, but it's not infinite.
Jackson's declaration echoes the sentiment of other star quarterbacks who've embraced the pressure. Joe Burrow's recent comments about Super Bowl pressure show that the league's elite aren't afraid to set high expectations. For Jackson, it's about turning that talk into action.
The Ravens open their season against the Indianapolis Colts, and the countdown to proving they're Super Bowl-ready begins now. With a healthy Jackson and a motivated Henry, Baltimore has every reason to believe this could be their year. But as Henry put it, they've got to do it—no more excuses.
As the NFL season kicks off, all eyes will be on Baltimore. Can they finally deliver? Jackson has made his goal clear, and anything short of a championship will be seen as a failure. The pressure is on, and he's embracing it.
