Google News Tyrann Mathieu comes to Lamar Jackson's defense over durability concerns
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Three-time Pro Bowl safety Tyrann Mathieu has come to Lamar Jackson's defense, saying the Baltimore Ravens quarterback is definitely durable. After the Ravens put an exclusive franchise tag on Jackson, the quarterback was allowed to speak with other teams but the Ravens would have a chance to match it.
But no teams have shown strong interest in acquiring Jackson. Last week, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank said he wasn't interesting in adding Jackson because there were concerns regarding his durability and injury history.
“This man got hurt twice inside the pocket. I’ve never seen anyone tackle him with a heavy hit in space, his game is special and rare. I have never seen this guy take a hit when running and not get up immediately(he owns a mean stiff arm.
When he hurt himself it was inside pocket," Mathieu tweeted.
This man got hurt twice inside the pocket. I’ve never seen anyone tackle him with a heavy hit in space, his game is special and rare. I have never seen this guy take a hit when running and not get up immediately(he owns a mean stiff arm.
When he hurt himself it was inside pocket. https://t.co/3BtGJEpVPF — Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) March 29, 2023
Mathieu defends Jackson after the Blank comments
When Jackson became available, the Falcons were mentioned as a team that could make a run at Jackson.
The Falcons don't really have a long-term answer at the starting quarterback position, at least for now. But as it stands now, the Falcons want to give Desmond Ridder - a third-round pick of the 2022 draft - a chance to prove himself.
When asked about why the Falcons weren't chasing Jackson, owner Blank had an explanation. “Different player, different time. You have a winner (in Jackson), a MVP in the league. There's no question he's one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
Looking at it objectively, I'd say there's some concern over how long can he play his style of game. Hopefully a long time, but he's missed five, six games each of the last two years. Each game counts a lot in our business," Blank said of Jackson.
Jackson recently revealed that he requested a trade from the Ravens. But the Ravens have indicated that they plan on keeping Jackson.
