For years, one of the most popular debates surrounding Lamar Jackson has centered on how often he should run the football. The discussion resurfaces almost every season for the Baltimore Ravens.
Some observers want him to use his legs more often because of the pressure he puts on opposing defenses. Others believe preserving him for the long haul requires limiting designed runs and unnecessary hits.
Jackson hasn't ever expressed verbally that the debate needs a definite answer. He's a two-time NFL MVP. Whatever is needed, he has provided in an effort to win. If his arm is needed, he has aired the ball out. If he has to scramble, he has done that too, sometimes to his own detriment. That said, it's easy to make the argument that, maybe, he should
rely on his tailbacks for rushing yards.
This week, the Baltimore Ravens are visiting the Washington Commanders for joint practices. Jackson spoke with the media after the first session. He was asked about his rushing workload after recording one of the lowest rushing-attempt totals of his career last season.
The question was a natural one. Jackson previously mentioned earlier this summer that he wasn't fully healthy through the 2025 season, so that obvious theory is that a healthier version could be receptive to carrying the ball more often. His answer suggested he views the conversation very differently than everyone else. Lamar Jackson isn't interested in chasing rushing numbers.
"I believe you know, I know, a lot of people know [that] I was hurt last year, so I really could not do anything like I wanted to. It really would not have put my team in a good position if I was just running hurt — losing yards, things like that were happening. But whatever it takes to win, that is what I am all about and [I have] always been about that too."
When the follow-up question came asking whether fans should expect him to run more this season, Jackson didn't offer projections. He didn't discuss rushing totals, carry counts, or statistical goals. Instead, he gave the same answer in a much shorter form.
"Whatever it takes to win."
That response has become something of a trademark throughout Jackson's career. While the outside world often evaluates quarterbacks through numbers, milestones, and awards, Jackson frequently redirects the conversation toward results.
The Ravens have built their offense around one of the most unique players the sport has ever seen. Some weeks that means Jackson carving defenses apart from the pocket. Other weeks it means extending plays, creating explosive gains with his legs, and forcing opponents to account for him as a runner.
What matters to him appears to be far less complicated. The question entering 2026 may not be whether Jackson runs more than he did a year ago. The more important question is whether a fully healthy Jackson feels capable of doing everything the situation demands.
Based on his comments, that's exactly how he views it. If the Ravens need him to throw 40 times, he'll do it. If they need him to carry the ball 12 times, he'll do that too. Jackson isn't chasing rushing records anymore. He's chasing victories, and he seems perfectly content letting the statistics take care of themselves.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Lamar Jackson has one goal for his 2026 rushing workload
