NFL News: Former NFL MVP Shoots On Referees For Not Protecting QBs From Late Hits

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson understands the physicality that comes with playing in the NFL, but he hopes that the referees are a bit more vigilant in protecting quarterbacks.

Speaking with the media ahead of their Week 5 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts, Jackson stressed that quarterbacks should be more protected, especially when they stay in the pocket.

“I just feel like we should be protected – all quarterbacks in the league, not just myself. Everyone should be included in that. Especially while we're in the pocket, our leg area and stuff like that. That's it, man,” Jackson sternly said.

“But football is football. Guys get aggressive sometimes and stuff happens. They probably don't mean it, but I would like the ref to throw the flag, though, if they catch it."

The 2019 NFL MVP has been the recipient of some questionably late hits, especially in their Week 4 game against the Denver Broncos.

“Jackson hasn't gotten a roughing the passer penalty since December 2019. That's a stretch of 600 dropbacks for Jackson without a roughing call,” noted ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.

The latest incident of Jackson taking a rough hit came on the play where he connected with Ravens wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown for a 49-yard touchdown.

Broncos defensive tackle Mike Purcell came in on Jackson’s lower back and legs, crumpling the quarterback.

Jackson raised his hands towards the referee asking for a penalty, but no flag was given.

As the Ravens look forward to facing the Colts on Monday, October 11, Jackson acknowledges that it will be a tough time for them on the offense.

“They're a tough defense. [They're] fast [and] aggressive. The guys run to the ball; all 11 at the ball every play. You have to be on your 'Ps' and 'Qs.' You have to be completing passes and keeping the ball moving, because that's a bend but don't break defense,” he respectfully told the media.

Other than potentially adding a win to their 3-1 record, the Ravens also have an opportunity to break a long-standing NFL record.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, their eternal rivals, currently hold the longest streak of 100-yard rushing games at 43 after setting the record back in the 70s.

The Ravens’ decision to run the ball with three seconds left on the clock against the Broncos showed that the record matters greatly to them and will stop at nothing to break their rivals’ record.