Ravens' Lamar Jackson is on target for another MVP shot - ESPN

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is once again a strong candidate for NFL Most Valuable Player, but he is excelling as a dual threat in a different way.

In 2019, Jackson became the second unanimous selection for NFL MVP when he led the league in touchdown passes and rushing yards by a quarterback. At the midway point of this season, he's being hailed as much for his accuracy in the passing game as his legs. Jackson can become the first player in league history to connect on over 70% of his passes and rush for over 500 yards.

Asked why his completion rate has spiked to an NFL-leading 71.5% this season, Jackson paused, gave a sideways glance and smiled.

«What if I don't have an answer?» Jackson replied. «I don't know; just hard work, dedication, going out there and just competing my tail off — that's all.

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»Nothing has really changed; just the percentage, if anything."

Actually, Jackson has experienced plenty of change this season. He has a new offensive coordinator in Todd Monken, who is detail-oriented, especially when it comes to route-running. It also feels like Jackson, who said Monken gave him «the keys to the offense» this offseason, has command.

Jackson's targets have a different look, too. Last year at this time, Baltimore's top wide receivers were Demarcus Robinson, Devin Duvernay, James Proche and DeSean Jackson. Now, it's Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor.

In terms of production, Jackson has made his biggest jump on the intermediate throws. On passes