The Quarterback Betrayal Index is back, with a surprise new standard bearer: Lamar Jackson. The Baltimore Ravens’ quarterback for years benefited from elite defense/special teams support, but not in 2024. His ability to overcome poor play in those areas during a 7-3 start enhances his MVP credentials.
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Introduced before the 2022 NFL season, the Betrayal Index measures the degree to which quarterbacks overcome poor play by their own teams’ defenses/special teams, the part of the team they cannot control. It’s the context needed to discuss quarterback win rates.
An extreme example: Drew Brees won only 45 percent of his starts (21-26 record) from 2014 to 2016 despite New Orleans ranking No.
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