Lamar Jackson has changed the NFL landscape with his dual-threat style, making one-dimensional quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers obsolete. On the 4th & 1 podcast, Cam Newton stated that Jackson's style of play has become the new standard.
What happened?
Cam Newton, the former NFL MVP, believes that Lamar Jackson has released a blueprint for quarterbacks, where versatility is no longer optional. Newton said that quarterbacks like Jared Goff, Aaron Rodgers, and Matthew Stafford are now considered dinosaurs.
Why it matters for Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson's style of play as a dual-threat quarterback has been in the NFL since the 1950s, but it has become more prominent in recent years. Jackson's ability to beat defenses with both his legs and his arm has made him a unique player in the league.
What comes next?
The new generation of quarterbacks, including Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, and Jaxson Dart, are following in Jackson's footsteps, with a focus on mobility and dual-threat capabilities. This shift in playing style has forced defenses to adapt and assign a player to watch the quarterback on every play.
Lamar Jackson's passing percentage is always high, and his efficiency is impressive. He has set a new standard for quarterbacks, and his style of play has become the benchmark for success in the NFL.
The Bengals' Joe Burrow and the Rams' Matthew Stafford are examples of one-dimensional quarterbacks who rely on their accuracy and arm talent to succeed. However, they are not as effective as dual-threat quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, who can execute the Run-Pass Option and freeze defenders.
The Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen is another example of a dual-threat quarterback who has impressed with his rushing yards and touchdowns. He recorded 579 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns last season, demonstrating the effectiveness of this playing style.
The Eagles' Jalen Hurts and the Giants' Jaxson Dart are also dual-threat quarterbacks who are making an impact in the NFL. They are part of a new generation of quarterbacks who are changing the way the position is played.
The 2026 rookie class, including the Eagles' Cole Payton and the Browns' Taylen Green, are also following in Jackson's footsteps, with a focus on mobility and dual-threat capabilities. This shift in playing style is expected to continue in the future, with more quarterbacks adopting the dual-threat approach.
Lamar Jackson's influence on the NFL has been significant, and his playing style has become the new standard for quarterbacks. His ability to beat defenses with both his legs and his arm has made him a unique player in the league, and his success has inspired a new generation of quarterbacks to follow in his footsteps.