🏈 Contract Criticism Could Benefit Lamar, Ravens

Lamar Jackson could use any comments that he isn't worth this contract as motivation. [View in browser]( [FOX SPORTS INSIDER WITH MARTIN ROGERS] In today’s FOX Sports Insider with Martin Rogers: Lamar Jackson’s new contract could end up motivating him even more than before … The Eagles have been drafting a lot of Georgia players, but what is the draw for Howie Roseman and Philadelphia? … and more! There is one sound the Baltimore Ravens should be hoping to hear right now, a week removed from giving Lamar Jackson the highest annual salary in National Football League history. The chirping symphony of public criticism. Few general managers actively enjoy being told that the administrative and personnel decisions they have made are flat out wrong, though most accept skepticism as an unavoidable part of the job. Ravens GM Eric DeCosta however, should be wishing for fans, commentators, experts and anyone else he can think of to be spouting that Jackson's five-year, $260 million contract is too high, with too much guaranteed ($185 million), presenting too great of a risk to be a cause for true celebration. Not because DeCosta has a masochistic streak – but because of the nature of Jackson's personality. Jackson has used questions about his ability as high-grade fuel. He absorbs disrespect and digests it as an energy source. He hates being doubted, but he loves the results and so did Baltimore, especially at the front end of his NFL career. He could take any suggestion that this money isn't quite worth it and use that as a prime motivator. Our memories of draft night get hazy over the years, all those picks and subplots and the way every selection from that heady weekend seems like they're going to pan out. You can be forgiven, then, if you don't recall what happened when Jackson – the Heisman Trophy winner - got selected with the 32nd pick in 2018, 31 spots behind Baker Mayfield, and a good few hours after Sam Darnold and Josh Rosen. For the rest of the story, [click here.]( [STORY IMAGE 1] [IN OTHER WORDS] - Howie Roseman and the Eagles drafted five players off the vaunted Georgia defense in two years, plus traded for D'Andre Swift. Ralph Vacchiano [explains why](. - Tennessee drafted Will Levis 33rd overall last week. Ben Arthur breaks down [why the Titans should, and shouldn't]( move on from QB Ryan Tannehill ahead of the 2023 season. - The Dodgers have [three elite pitching prospects]( set to contribute this season. First up: Gavin Stone, who delivered a strong outing Wednesday, writes Rowan Kavner. - Without a dominant QB, the Tide [appears to be gearing up the running game]( while hoping transfer Tyler Buchner is an adept option behind center, RJ Young writes. For the latest news and updates, [click here.]( [VIEWER'S GUIDE] Florida Panthers at Toronto Maple Leafs (TNT, 7 p.m. ET) The Panthers hope to continue their hot stretch and take the first two games of the series when they clash with the Maple Leafs in Toronto. Los Angeles Lakers at Golden State Warriors (ESPN, 9 p.m. ET) Stephen Curry and the Warriors aim to bounce back when they take on LeBron James and the Lakers at the Chase Center. Seattle Kraken at Dallas Stars (TNT, 9:30 p.m. ET) The Kraken look to take their second straight road game in the series when they battle the Stars in Dallas. For all of today's games and scores, [click here](. [BET OF THE DAY] Odds provided by [FOX Bet]( Bryce Young to win NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year (+460) From FOX Sports Betting Analyst: Geoff Schwartz Young was the most ready-to-play of the top quarterback prospects in this draft, and the Panthers traded considerable assets to acquire him. The Panthers' front office did not draft the Heisman-winning QB with the intention of him sitting, so Young getting Day 1 reps as the starter puts him ahead of the other quarterbacks selected because they will not have the same opportunities to play early on in the season. If Bryce can play well early in his Panthers career, his new squad has the real opportunity to be a playoff team in the weak NFC South. Carolina has a talented but young offensive line and a rushing attack that proved to be better without Christian McCaffery last season. Young also has enough weapons on the edge to move the ball. Bryce Young will have good numbers while winning in Charlotte. That will help him win this award. For the latest betting odds, [click here](. 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