Stephen A. Smith is standing up for quarterback Lamar Jackson as criticism surrounding the Baltimore Ravens quarterback continues to grow. With Jackson dealing with an ankle injury and uncertainty surrounding his availability for the team’s Week 7 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, questions about his health and the Ravens’ struggles have become a major talking point; however, Smith believes the criticism should not overshadow what Jackson has accomplished throughout his NFL career.
The ESPN analyst addressed the debate on First Take, pushing back against the idea that Jackson should be judged differently because of his recent injury concerns. His message was clear: Jackson’s current situation should not lead people to forget the quarterback he has consistently proven himself to be.
Stephen A. Smith Pushes Back Against Criticism Of Lamar Jackson
Smith made his position clear while discussing the criticism directed at the Ravens QB, urging people not to confuse injury concerns with a decline in ability.
“You defend Lamar Jackson the way you’ve always tried to defend him. … Don’t assume he ain’t what he used to be.”
“You defend Lamar Jackson the way you’ve always tried to defend him. … Don’t assume he ain’t what he used to be.”@stephenasmith weighs in on defending Lamar Jackson
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— First Take (@FirstTake) October 23, 2026
Jackson has missed the Ravens’ last two games after suffering a left ankle injury. His absence has exposed how heavily the Ravens rely on his unique ability to threaten defenses as both a passer and a runner. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley has stepped in; however, the Ravens’ offense has struggled to maintain the same explosiveness without its two-time NFL MVP.
The star QB’s mobility is a major part of what makes the Ravens dangerous. Defenses should be aware that he will retain the football and rush, giving more chances for his running back, Derrick Henry, to carry the ball. This would not be possible without such an option; therefore, defenses would put more pressure on Derrick Henry and force Baltimore to find other ways to advance their game.
This is what makes Smith respond so strongly to critics and defend his player. The quarterback and the recent difficulties are legitimate issues; however, that does not mean at all that the athlete has lost his outstanding talent and skills.
Baltimore has also been receiving positive news this week, as Jackson has been practicing with the team again. Nevertheless, head coach Jesse Minter has remained prudent about the player’s participation in Sunday’s match against the Bengals; his availability will depend solely on his condition.
Smith’s argument ultimately centers on separating a player’s current circumstances from his established ability. Jackson still has plenty to prove when he returns, particularly as the Ravens look to regain momentum, but writing him off because of an injury would be premature.
Whether Jackson plays against the Bengals remains a key question. For Smith, though, the larger point is that criticism should not erase the quarterback’s proven track record or lead anyone to assume he is no longer the same game-changing talent.
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