Stephen A. Smith sets sights on Lamar Jackson after Baltimore Ravens implosion
Analyst Stephen A. Smith has taken aim at Lamar Jackson after his role in the Baltimore Ravens' loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, with the quarterback's poor start to the season getting worse.
The outspoken ESPN sportscaster defended the quarterback during his dramatic contract stand-off with his current employers during the off-season. However, it appears that his support only goes so far and did not hold back as he called out the 26-year-old's showing in their 17-10 loss.
It was a day to forget for Jackson against the Steelers, as he dropped a pivotal interception in the end zone with his team leading 10-8 in the fourth quarter. He was then made to rue his mishap, as Pittsburgh then responded with a quick-fire 80-yard touchdown to swing the balance of the game.
From there, the Steelers would not relent on their lead, as they inflicted a costly defeat in what was a memorable comeback win. Now, the ESPN analyst has given a frank verdict on Jackson's contributions in the loss, saying: "That is inexcusable. We got to look at it from that perspective.
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"We also got to look at the fact that he leads all NFL players with seven fumbles [four lost]. He’s accounted for eight touchdowns this year but has six total turnovers in five games. Come on, man."
As he points out, Jackson's numbers so far this season do make for concerning reading and he has made just four touchdown passes and two interceptions in five games. Now, Smith has called out the Ravens' star name, with his mistakes having cost his team dearly so far this season.
He added: "It starts with him. And even though you got those drops, at the end of the day, damn, if you don’t turn the ball over, you win anyway. This man has been turning the ball over, and that is not what they’re paying him to do."
Stephen A. Smith may have defended Lamar Jackson over his contract debacle but he was not impressed with his role in the Baltimore Ravens' recent loss (Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM)In many ways, this is a complete turnaround in terms of favour in the eyes of Smith, who leapt to a stern defence of the Ravens QB during his contract debacle. Speaking in March, the analyst was unequivocal in his stance that Jackson deserved a new bumper deal in Baltimore.
Ultimately, he was handed a new contract, worth a staggering $260 million (£212 million) over the next five years during the offseason. Showing his admiration for Jackson's talents, Smith previously said: "Lamar Jackson should be in a position where $200 million guaranteed.
"That’s what the Baltimore Ravens should come to the table with based on what the market bears. And we should be able to call it a day.
He added: "The fact that they’re using this non-exclusive tag tells me they’re nowhere near that, which is obviously insulting to Lamar Jackson, which is why I believe this is a mistake."
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