Ravens’ Lamar Jackson expects much less operating, extra throwing

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Lamar Jackson‘s first impression of the Baltimore Ravens‘ new offense: extra freedom and fewer reliance on his legs.

After his first observe with new Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Jackson was extraordinarily happy with the route of the brand new scheme and believes a philosophy change was wanted to achieve success going ahead.

“Much less operating and extra throwing,” Jackson mentioned when requested what this offense will enable him to showcase.

Jackson is probably the most prolific operating quarterback in NFL historical past. His 4,437 profession speeding yards are probably the most by any quarterback of their first 5 seasons — 1,230 yards greater than Cam Newton, who ranks second.

Baltimore is 16-1 when Jackson runs for 90 or extra yards, however the quarterback has additionally taken an NFL-high 877 hits over the previous 5 seasons.

Jackson flashed a giant smile when requested if his speeding makes an attempt might be scaled again this yr.

“Completely, completely,” Jackson mentioned. “Particularly with the receivers now we have.”

The Ravens revamped a gaggle that ranked final within the NFL final season in receiving yards. Baltimore signed Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor in free company after which drafted Zay Flowers within the first spherical.

Jackson indicated the improved supporting solid will change the main target of the offense. In 4 seasons below former offensive coordinator Greg Roman, the Ravens ranked first in speeding makes an attempt (2,194) and second to final in passing makes an attempt (1,945).

“Operating can solely take you to this point,” Jackson mentioned. “And I really feel like with this new period of groups and offenses within the league, I really feel like we’d like that. Coach Todd Monken, what I am seeing in his offense to this point, is wanting large.”

Wednesday’s observe was Jackson’s first since he grew to become the NFL’s highest-paid participant at $52 million per season. He missed the final two weeks of voluntary on-field exercises and skipped the primary organized workforce exercise on Monday earlier than reporting Tuesday.

The Ravens held out Jackson from workforce drills, however coach John Harbaugh mentioned the workforce will “ramp him up” shifting ahead.

“I am excited that he is right here, in fact,” Harbaugh mentioned. “He was into the conferences. He was locked within the final two days, been utterly locked in. So it is a good factor.”

Along with a five-year, $260 million contract, the Ravens are giving Jackson extra leeway on the line of scrimmage. He identified that Monken is “mainly simply giving us the keys to the offense, actually.”

“You’ll be able to change issues whenever you wish to,” Jackson mentioned. “You see the protection, and it is not wanting proper to you. You see some man blitzing, you may want your receiver to do one thing completely different. Coach is providing you with the free will to do no matter you wish to.”