Fires were shot on ESPN’s “First Take” as Cam Newton sharply criticized Stephen A. Smith for criticizing Lamar Jackson two months ago over MVP candidacy. Defending the Ravens QB’s status in the league over Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, the former Panthers star asked Stephen to reconsider his evaluation of Jackson’s place.

 

“You must watch what you say about Lamar Jackson,” Newton said.

 

Moreover, talking about Jackson’s consistent performance and ability to thrive in tough divisional games, he said:

 

“I’m taking Lamar Jackson over any other quarterback in the NFL. I love the critiques—I love the analytics—but he’s the greatest quarterback in the game now.”

 

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The drama began in October when Stephen A. Smith and former NFL center Jeff Saturday completely dismissed Jackson’s MVP candidacy in favor of Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff.

 

Goff’s 140-plus passer rating in three consecutive games and his role in leading the Lions to a four-game win streak impressed Stephen. Adding more statistics, he said:

 

“You look at some of these numbers right here, right now. [He] has completed 58 of 68 passes, all right, for 887 yards, seven touchdown passes, one receiving touchdown, zero turnovers in those last three games as well. When you see what Detroit is doing, when you see how he’s leading the way [and] when you see that he’s completing 73 percent of his passes on the season.”

 

Stephen added:

 

“I’m looking at Jared Goff right now, the way that he looks combined with the way that they’re playing right now to me, he looks like a league MVP. I would put him ahead of Lamar Jackson at this particular junction.”

 

Well, this is not the first time Newton has come to Jackson’s defense.

 

Cam Newton praised Lamar Jackson as the greatest dual-threat QB in the NFL

 

In July, on his “4th & 1 With Cam Newton” YouTube show, Cam Newton hailed Baltimore Ravens QB, Lamar Jackson. Newton called him the greatest dual-threat quarterback in football history.

 

“Mike Tomlin wants the ball in Lamar Jackson’s hands”: Former Lions QB drops eye-catching remark ahead of Ravens-Steelers clash

 

Even though Newton has a legacy as the 2015 MVP and was called one of the most dynamic quarterbacks of his time, he did not hesitate to offer the spot to Jackson.

 

“Lamar’s style is different than mine,” Newton said. “He got big play, any play. He got speed that I never had, and he’s just electric. … I played the game more powerful. I can run, but I might probably get caught. Vick, Lamar, they ain’t getting caught.”

 

The Ravens’ quarterback, who has won the MVP award twice is truly a game changer. Jackson is a big threat on the field as he can throw the ball and run. He has had two seasons with a passer rating over 100 and has rushed for over 1,000 yards twice.

 

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