In a candid press conference ahead of the Baltimore Ravens’ next match a former MVP and cornerstone of the Ravens’ offense, offered a thoughtful analysis of the perceived disparity, attributing it to a mix of factors including roster construction, coaching strategies, and the unpredictable nature of the NFL.
“The NFC has some great teams, no doubt,” Jackson said. “I think what you’re seeing is how well-balanced a lot of their rosters are—especially when it comes to defenses and the depth they have at skill positions. Some of those teams have veterans who’ve been around the league and know how to win in big moments.”
Jackson pointed to standout NFC squads like the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, highlighting their dominant defenses and efficient offenses as reasons for their success in interconference play.
When asked how the AFC could close the gap, Jackson emphasized the importance of consistency and execution. “It’s not about talent—there’s plenty of that in the AFC. It’s about putting together full games. We’ve got to handle business when it counts, and that starts with preparation during the week.”
The AFC, historically known for its powerhouse teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Jackson’s Ravens, has faced increased competition from a revitalized NFC this season.
Still, Jackson remains confident in the Ravens’ ability to contend with any opponent. “We’re not backing down from anybody, NFC or AFC. At the end of the day, it’s about playing Ravens football.”
Baltimore, sitting at the top of the AFC North, will face several NFC opponents down the stretch, offering Jackson and his team a chance to test their mettle and perhaps flip the narrative on NFC dominance.
Let me know if you’d like this rewritten or expanded!
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is never one to shy away from a tough question, and this week he addressed a growing narrative in the NFL: the apparent dominance of NFC teams over their AFC counterparts during the 2023-2024 season. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Ravens’ upcoming game, Jackson shared his thoughts on why NFC teams seem to have the upper hand in marquee matchups and what it means for the league’s balance of power.
Jackson attributed much of the NFC’s success to roster depth and strategic execution, particularly from top-tier teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, and Dallas Cowboys.
“The NFC is stacked with teams that are just clicking right now,” Jackson said. “They’ve got defenses that can lock down an offense, quarterbacks who know how to manage games, and some playmakers that can break the game wide open at any moment.”
He specifically highlighted the Eagles’ ability to dominate in the trenches and the 49ers’ balanced approach, with playmakers like Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel, combined with a relentless defense led by Nick Bosa.
Jackson also mentioned coaching as a critical factor. “You look at these NFC teams, and a lot of them have systems in place that have been working for years. The consistency they’ve built is paying off. It’s not just about talent—it’s about schemes and how well the players execute them week in and week out.”
When discussing the AFC, Jackson dismissed the idea that the conference lacks talent, instead focusing on inconsistency as a key issue.
“We’ve got some of the best quarterbacks and offenses in the league, no question,” he said. “But sometimes it feels like we’re not putting together complete games. Turnovers, penalties, missed assignments—they add up, especially against good teams.”
Jackson cited the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals as examples of teams that have the firepower to dominate but have struggled at times this season to string together consistent performances.
He also acknowledged the pressure-packed nature of AFC matchups. “In our conference, every week feels like a playoff game. That’s how competitive it is. Maybe that takes a toll when we face NFC teams who’ve had a different kind of schedule.”
Sitting atop the AFC North with one of the league’s best records, the Ravens have been a bright spot for the AFC this season. Jackson credited his team’s success to their focus on execution and a defense that has often carried the load when the offense has struggled.
“We’ve had our ups and downs, but one thing about this team—we fight,” Jackson said. “We’re not just looking at the standings or narratives. We’re focused on getting better every week, no matter who we’re playing.”
The Ravens are set to face NFC opponents in key games down the stretch, including a matchup against the 49ers in late December. Jackson sees these games as opportunities to flip the script on NFC dominance and prove the Ravens are Super Bowl contenders.
“We respect those teams, but we’re not scared of them,” Jackson said confidently. “It’s about playing Ravens football—being physical, disciplined, and taking advantage of every opportunity. If we do that, we can beat anybody, NFC or AFC.”
Beyond just this season, Jackson believes the AFC vs. NFC conversation is part of the league’s natural ebb and flow. “Every few years, the narrative changes. One conference gets hot, and then it flips. It’s just how the game goes,” he said.
For Jackson, the focus isn’t on the narrative but on what his team can control. “At the end of the day, we’re all chasing the same thing: the Lombardi Trophy. Whether we face an NFC team or an AFC team in the Super Bowl, we’ve got to be ready.”
As the Ravens continue their push for the playoffs, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if Jackson and his team can rise to the challenge and restore some AFC pride against their NFC counterparts.
This NFL season has seen a notable trend: NFC teams are consistently outperforming AFC squads in high-stakes matchups. The dominance has sparked debate among analysts, fans, and players alike, with many wondering if the NFC is surging ahead in overall quality. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, a former league MVP and one of the AFC’s premier talents, weighed in on the discussion this week, offering a thoughtful perspective on what’s behind the NFC’s rise and how the AFC can respond.
When asked about the reasons for the NFC’s success this season, Jackson highlighted several key factors, emphasizing roster depth, team balance, and the execution of well-established systems.
“The NFC is bringing it this year,” Jackson said. “A lot of those teams have defenses that are lights out, offenses that don’t make mistakes, and coaches who know how to make adjustments. They’re not just good—they’re complete.”
Jackson pointed to standout NFC franchises like the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, and Dallas Cowboys, noting their ability to dominate in multiple phases of the game. He praised the Eagles’ offensive and defensive lines, which have consistently imposed their will on opponents, and the 49ers’ versatility, anchored by stars like Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, and Nick Bosa.
“These teams have been building for years,” Jackson said. “They’ve got consistency, and it shows. The systems are working because the players trust them, and the execution is on point.”
He also acknowledged the impact of quarterback play, specifically highlighting Jalen Hurts of the Eagles and Brock Purdy of the 49ers, who have demonstrated poise and efficiency in critical moments.
Turning his attention to the AFC, Jackson dismissed the notion that the conference lacks talent but acknowledged that consistency has been an issue.
“It’s not about who’s got more talent—AFC teams are loaded,” Jackson said. “The difference is execution. Too often, we’re seeing games slip away because of turnovers, penalties, or missed opportunities. Against good teams, you can’t afford that.”
Jackson pointed out that the AFC’s level of competition within the conference might be a double-edged sword. With so many elite teams—like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, and his own Ravens—AFC squads face grueling schedules that leave little room for error.
“In the AFC, every week feels like a playoff game,” Jackson said. “You’re going up against the best, and that’s great for competition, but it can wear you down. Maybe that gives the NFC teams an edge when it comes to interconference games.”
Jackson also acknowledged the AFC’s reliance on star quarterbacks, noting that while the conference is home to some of the league’s best signal-callers, the NFC has focused on building well-rounded rosters.
“In the AFC, we’ve got some of the most exciting quarterbacks in the game,” he said. “But sometimes it feels like everything is on their shoulders. The NFC teams seem to spread it out more—every unit is contributing.”
The Ravens, who currently lead the AFC North, have been one of the conference’s most consistent teams this season. Jackson credited the team’s success to its ability to adapt and rely on all phases of the game, from a ferocious defense to a creative offense led by first-year offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
“We’ve been through a lot as a team,” Jackson said. “Injuries, tough games, everything. But one thing we do is fight. We play for each other, and we’re finding ways to win, even when it’s not pretty.”
The Ravens are gearing up for several key matchups against NFC opponents, including a highly anticipated clash with the San Francisco 49ers on Christmas Day. Jackson views these games as opportunities to prove the Ravens—and the AFC—can compete with the best.
“We’re not backing down from anyone,” Jackson said. “Whether it’s an NFC team or an AFC team, we’re going to bring it. These are the games where you show what you’re made of, and I love that.”
While Jackson acknowledged the NFC’s current edge, he also cautioned against overreacting to short-term trends.
“This happens all the time in the league,” Jackson said. “A few years ago, people were saying the AFC was unstoppable. Now it’s the NFC. Things change. At the end of the day, it’s about who’s holding that trophy in February.”
For Jackson, the focus remains on what he and his team can control. “We’re not worried about narratives,” he said. “We’re focused on being the best Ravens we can be. If we do that, everything else will take care of itself.”
As the season progresses, Jackson and the Ravens have a chance to flip the script on NFC dominance, with key matchups that could set the tone for the playoffs. For Jackson, these games are more than just tests—they’re statements.
“Every game matters, but when you’re playing the best, you want to show up,” Jackson said. “We’re going to leave it all out there. AFC, NFC—it doesn’t matter. We’ve got our eyes on the prize.”
As the playoff picture comes into focus, the league will be watching closely to see if Jackson and the Ravens can rise to the challenge and reclaim some AFC pride.
Leave a Reply