The top story for the Baltimore Ravens this offseason has been quarterback Lamar Jackson. After taking over for an injured Joe Flacco last year, Jackson was tasked with running the football nearly as often as he threw it. While the Ravens won games and made it to the postseason on Jackson’s feet, his accuracy left a lot to be desired.
So Jackson spent the offseason working on his mechanics. And according to Baltimore quarterbacks coach James Urban, Jackson’s work has produced results.
“You’re always chasing consistency,” Urban told ESPN’s Dan Graziano. “Consistency in terms of throwing accurately, the mechanics involved, repeating the motion. They certainly haven’t been eliminated, but there are much fewer, ‘Where-did-that-come-froms’ this year when we watch him practice. It looks better in many ways. The ball comes out cleaner, the timing looks better.”
However, early reports from OTAs were less than perfect. Jackson himself was unhappy with how he performed initially. But as had been the case last year, Jackson steadily improved as he got into a groove and seemed to be more consistent as OTAs wrapped up last week.
But Jackson’s detractors haven’t just been looking at his passing ability. Jackson frequently put the ball on the ground as a runner last season as well, a point of contention for fans. Jackson finished the season leading the league with 12 fumbles. It’s something Urban has been putting a lot of emphasis on.
“I like to call it the squeaky wheel of his game, and the squeaky wheel is getting the oil every day out here,” Urban said, per Graziano. “Mistakes he’s made in terms of holding the ball, carrying the ball, we’re making sure, when it shows up in practice, that it’s pointed out and worked on.”
According to owner Steve Bisciotti, Jackson won’t be running as often as he did last season. Fewer rushing attempts should help trim Jackson’s fumbles, and focusing on how to carry the ball better hopefully will eliminate the problem.
The 2019 season will depend quite a bit on just how far Jackson has cut down on his weaknesses. No one could really question Jackson’s playmaking abilities, but if he can drastically improve his consistency and turnover issues, the Ravens should go far this season.
