Sports
After ACC and others throw support behind 24-team CFP, the ball is now in the SEC's court
The ACC and others back a 24-team CFP, awaiting SEC's decision.
Yahoo Sports1 min read
NFL
Troy Aikman identifies new pressure facing Lamar Jackson in 2026
TL;DR
Troy Aikman highlights increased pressure on Lamar Jackson as he faces a new coach in 2026. The scrutiny surrounding Jackson intensifies as he navigates his role with a first-time head coach.
Key points
- Lamar Jackson faces increased pressure in 2026.
- Troy Aikman comments on Jackson's challenges with a new coach.
- Scrutiny on Jackson has intensified over the years.
Mentioned in this story
Lamar JacksonTroy Aikman
Baltimore Ravens
Stardom in professional sports comes with pressure. Lamar Jackson has lived there for years. From the moment the Baltimore Ravens drafted him, the scrutiny began. Could he throw well enough? Could his style hold up? Could he win in January? Could he silence critics who somehow move the goalposts every time he accomplishes something extraordinary?
At this point, pressure is practically part of his pregame uniform. That said, Troy Aikman recently suggested during an episode of ESPN's Get Up. When he said that Baltimore's QB1 may be feeling even more heat as he enters another 2026, no one batted an eyelash. Still, it wasn't what the Hall of Famer said as much as it was why he said it*.*
“When you are a veteran quarterback, franchise quarterback, and you’ve had the years Lamar has had, now the coach leaves, you've got a first-time coach coming in, that puts a lot on the plate of the quarterback.”
That's actually a fair point. For years, whenever Baltimore came up short, some of the blame was placed elsewhere. John Harbaugh absorbed plenty of criticism. Offensive coordination became a recurring conversation. Interior offensive line questions lingered. Personnel decisions occasionally invited frustration. Lamar was scrutinized, sure, but he wasn't standing alone in the spotlight. That changes now.
The spotlight on the Baltimore Ravens has shifted
Jesse Minter is a first-time NFL head coach, and Declan Doyle is stepping into a major offensive role. Baltimore’s coaching reset naturally brings optimism, but it also removes familiar targets when frustration surfaces. If things go sideways, people may not immediately blame 'stale coaching.'
Q&A
What new challenges will Lamar Jackson face in 2026?
Lamar Jackson will face the challenge of adapting to a new head coach, which adds pressure to his performance as a franchise quarterback.
How has pressure affected Lamar Jackson's career so far?
Lamar Jackson has faced significant scrutiny throughout his career, with questions about his throwing ability and playoff performance impacting his reputation.
What did Troy Aikman say about Lamar Jackson's situation?
Troy Aikman noted that the transition to a first-time coach increases the pressure on Jackson, who has already dealt with criticism throughout his career.