With football back, many are hoping that the storylines of the summer dead period will recede from view. One of those storylines? The ongoing debate over Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, and where he stands among his peers. In this year’s version of quarterback tiers put together by Mike Sando of The Athletic, an anonymous defensive coordinator stated that even if Jackson won 12 MVP awards, he would not view him as the top quarterback in the game.
Meeting the media on Thursday Jackson fired back: “It’s anonymous, so I don’t really care. He’s anonymous for a reason:”
Lamar Jackson on the unnamed defensive coordinator throwing shade.
“It’s anonymous, so I don’t really care. He’s anonymous for a reason.”
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) July 28, 2022
Jackson also addressed the ongoing negotiations between the quarterback and the Ravens regarding a long-term extension. Jackson indicated that whenever he has a free moment, he is talking with general manager Eric DeCosta, and also noted that rather than “hold in” as other players in similar situations are doing, he wants to practice with his “brothers:”
Lamar Jackson says he’s talking to Eric DeCosta whenever he has free time.
“We’re still talking right now.”
Asked why he wouldn’t “hold in,” he said he wants to practice with his “brothers.” pic.twitter.com/Al0KNBGo4G
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) July 28, 2022
Head coach John Harbaugh also addressed the negotiations on Thursday, stating that both sides are working to get a deal done:
John Harbaugh notes that Lamar Jackson is here for practice — the implication perhaps being that some players with his contractual circumstances around the league are not.
“Both sides are very motivated to get the job done.” pic.twitter.com/uehMjm9XnO
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) July 28, 2022
As for Jackson’s play on the field, our own Doug Farrar dove into his film recently, and found a few areas where Jackson could take a step forward, perhaps silencing his critics along the way.