Analyst exposes the impossible standard facing Lamar and Jalen Hurts

Lamar Jackson did exactly what his critics wanted. The two-time NFL MVP reported to the Ravens' facility on the first day of Baltimore's offseason program on April 6.

Skipping voluntary OTAs had been framed as a commitment issue for years. He showed up on day one under a new coaching staff, and the media still found criticism.

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Dan Orlovsky spent a Get Up segment lamenting Jackson's expected absence. The Ravens posted video of their quarterback inside the facility while Orlovsky was still talking.

Eric Mangini called the attendance problematic, arguing it raised questions about why Jackson hadn't valued the previous staff the same way.

Ryan Clark made the point plainly on The Pivot. This conversation reached the volume it did because of who Lamar Jackson is, not what he actually did.

Clark cited Jalen Hurts to make the point. Hurts led the Eagles to back-to-back championship appearances, won Super Bowl LIX MVP, and posted a winning record throughout.

That hasn't stopped the scrutiny. ESPN ran a report this offseason citing anonymous sources calling Hurts uncoachable with poor body language. The Eagles reportedly won't offer him an extension.

Jackson produced 41 touchdowns and 915 rushing yards in 2024. He did all of that while skipping the same OTAs his critics now cite as evidence of character problems.

The Ravens went 8-9 in 2025, missing the playoffs for the first time with Jackson as the starter.

Under new head coach Jesse Minter, the Ravens enter 2026 with a rebuilt staff. Jackson has nothing to apologize for professionally, which has never actually been the issue anyway.

Clark's point was plain: win all the MVPs and Super Bowls. Based on how both Jackson and Hurts have been covered, that standard might not be enough either.