Jake Lourim: 50 Twitter: Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: MILLS, Md. “You’re a grown man, and you’ve got to show up and show out and grind.” “It feels good, just being out here with NFL talent, not college or high school anymore,” Jackson said. The Ravens’ coaches, specifically quarterbacks coach James Urban, have Jackson and the other quarterbacks throwing into a net on the side of the field to improve accuracy and timing. Jackson said he thinks he has improved in many ways since the draft, having attended rookie minicamp, completed the team’s offseason program and reported to camp with the other rookies a week early. More: Lamar Jackson signs four-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens “I’m just going along with the flow right now,” Jackson said. Jackson on Sunday sounded more amenable to new looks, not because they put him in possession of the ball more but because they could throw off the defense. “Right now, when we do it," Flacco told reporters at a Friday news conference, "I think it’s like a big red flag to the defense, like, ‘Hey, they’re probably doing something.’ But Lamar is a heck of an athlete, and he can throw the football, so the opportunities are definitely endless.” Even when they lined him up elsewhere Sunday, he almost always threw the ball. “I’m a quarterback,” he always said, and the Ravens have largely treated him as such. He’s getting a lot better.”īefore the draft, Jackson repeatedly rebuffed questions about trying a different position. "He definitely has some ways to go, but he’s improving. Wide receiver Tim White said his first impression of Jackson was “electric." More: U of L Insider: New stars must step up for Lamar Jackson-less Cards Nonetheless, Baltimore seemed committed in practice Sunday to deploying Jackson, perhaps adding another dimension to an offense that finished last season 27th in the NFL in total yards and 31st in yards per play. Barring an unforeseen turn or injury for Flacco, Jackson is likely to remain at No. Baltimore likely did not draft Jackson to be their 2018 starting quarterback. The Ravens’ use of Jackson so far fits the profile of the player they drafted. “As far as his accuracy and all of that, he’s really, really worked on that. “Everybody in this league has some uncommon tools, and he certainly does,” offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said Sunday of Jackson. At one point, he rolled outside the pocket, eluding a pass rush from former University of Kentucky player Za’Darius Smith, but sailed the pass over the receiver’s head into traffic. Jackson, however, at times looked inconsistent with his arm. He cruised past the defense, though the Ravens gave strict instructions not to lay a finger on any of the quarterbacks. In limited live reps at quarterback, Jackson also ran a read-option type play, kept the ball and broke free to race upfield. “You can just catch an out route … and they’re cheering for you like you’re in a game.” “I love the Baltimore fans,” Jackson said after practice. He completed passes both times.īoth plays elicited the loudest cheers of the day from fans in attendance. You may like: #Lamar2032? Lamar Jackson got at least one vote for president in 2016įrom the slot, Jackson motioned to the right before the snap, took a handoff or pitch from Flacco, cut back to the left and threw downfield. In the Ravens’ third full team practice of the season Sunday at the team’s Owings Mills facility, Jackson did the full workout behind starter Joe Flacco but also lined up as a slot receiver at least twice. Lamar Jackson is clearly still the Baltimore Ravens’ backup quarterback, which may be disappointing to some.īut early in their training camp, the Ravens are finding ways to involve their first-round rookie in the offense elsewhere, and that could be exciting for many.
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