Tag: ESPN Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson performs best when Ravens call their “quick-pass” plays

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is a rhythm passer that becomes increasingly accurate when the offensive tempo is fluid.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is a rhythm passer that becomes increasingly accurate when the offensive tempo is fluid.

To counter the blitz this season, the Ravens will want to use the quick pass to back defenses out of man coverage. With opponents likely to crowd the line of scrimmage to stop the run, Jackson will need his wide receivers to win on quick routes (drags, slants, outs, & screens) and avoid getting jammed at the line of scrimmage.

The Ravens were sacked 41 times last season yet had the second-fewest pass attempts in the NFL.

The Ravens’ offensive line is currently being reconstructed, with rookie offensive tackle Josh Rosengarten as a player to watch for in 2024.

With this, offensive coordinator Todd Monken should use the deep pass sparingly, especially until he knows the potential of his offensive line.

Using the quick pass game effectively will force opponents to back off the line of scrimmage. Once the quick pass game ignites, running back Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, and Jackson can have their way in the ground game.

Ravens TE Mark Andrews could become even harder to defend in 2024

With Baltimore Ravens HB Derrick Henry as a high-volume run threat, tight-end Mark Andrews may thrive in the play-action pass game.

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews will directly benefit from the amount of attention running back Derrick Henry demands from opposing defenses in 2024.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C9sp1llyaV_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

With Henry as a run threat, opponents may be increasingly susceptible to the Ravens’ play-action pass game, leaving opportunities for Andrews to get open in space.

Andrews, who is nearly impossible to defend without double-teaming, runs a 40-yard dash time of 4.67 seconds. Indeed, that’s two-hundred-sixty-five pounds of muscle darting past the average linebacker who might be undersized or, worse, deceived by offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s play-action pass scheme.

Andrews produced 45 receptions for 544 yards and six touchdowns in 2023, averaging 12.1 yards per catch. Andrews’s volume of catches may subside with Monken’s balanced offensive attack this season, but he’ll still be a threat in the red zone.

With opponents worried about the various offensive threats the Ravens’ have in short-yardage situations, Andrews may be in for some explosive plays throughout the season.

VIDEO: Ravens WR Rashod Bateman “looks like he’s floating” in recent workout

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman’s dedication to rehabilitating after early career setbacks is paying off.

Yesterday afternoon,  reporter editor Sarah Ellison shared a video of Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman putting in work off-site. The video which originated from Bateman’s Instagram account, has since rendered plenty of engagement from fans online and hints towards Bateman’s rejuvenated athleticism.

If Bateman can increase his production this season, the Ravens will thrive in both the pass and run game on offense. Many analysts expect Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken to use more 12 personnel in his play calling this upcoming season. If so, Bateman may see more 1-on-1 opportunities to win with YAC on underneath routes or use his speed to go over the top.

Bateman’s dedication to rehabilitating after early career setbacks is paying off. He claims this is the healthiest he’s felt in years Perhaps that’s why head coach John Harbaugh is optimistic about his potential in the future. Good job Rashod Bateman.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C8ftROQM3h4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Ravens RB Justice Hill is still a vital component for offensive coordinator Todd Monken

The Baltimore Ravens have Derrick Henry but hat doesn’t mean Justice Hill won’t be a vital component to the offense this season.

Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill produced four touchdowns under offensive coordinator Todd Monken last season. How will Monken deploy Hill with all-pro Derrick Henry now on the roster this season?

Monken will likely defer to quarterback Lamar Jackson when Henry isn’t getting his expected high-volume carries. However, that doesn’t mean Hill won’t be a vital component to the Ravens on offense.

Hill can be used deceptively in 21 personnel, operating as a pass catcher on short routes and screenplays. Moreover, Hill may be the best option for the Ravens on third down, especially in obvious passing situations.

Too fast for most opposing defensive linebackers, Hill will only improve by getting reps in training camp behind Henry. He’ll also be sharpened by lining up versus all-pro linebacker Roquan Smith.

Having played under numerous offensive coordinators, Hill will get a 2nd straight season with Monken, a coach well aware of his attributes. At age 26, Hill understands his role and is enthusiastic about a chance to get back to it this fall.

Tee Martin has played a major role in Lamar Jackson’s development

Not enough is said about Baltimore Ravens quarterback coach Tee Martin and his impact on NFL MVP Lamar Jackson.

Not enough is said about Baltimore Ravens quarterback coach Tee Martin and his impact on NFL MVP Lamar Jackson. Did you know Martin was a star quarterback at the University of Tennessee?

Martin worked as the Ravens’ wide receiver coach in 2021-22 before transitioning to quarterback coach last year. Martin and offensive coordinator Todd Monken had Jackson in full effect last season.

Martin got his initial opportunity to coach at Morehouse College in 2006 where he worked as the passing coordinator. He went on later to hold various reputable roles, including work for the University of Kentucky, working as an offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach for USC, and then later for the University of Tennessee in 2019.

Before coaching, Martin had his glory days at the University of Tennessee where he led the Volunteers to a NCAA Championship in 1998. Martin is acclaimed for completing 23 consecutive passes versus South Carolina during that game.

Martin’s ability to scramble and pass in college has transitioned well into helping him develop the game of Jackson at the NFL level.

Martin may be planning to coach Jackson more intensely this upcoming season. Martin knows the Ravens were just one victory away from the Super Bowl earlier this year. The voice of coach Martin must run through Jackson’s head all game long from practice drills, With another Ravens’ training camp less than 70 days away, Martin will be studying to develop new ways to for Jackson and Ravens’ offense to succeed in 2024.

AFC North news: Steelers improving their roster thanks to Russell Wilson’s modest contract

Russell Wilson will cost the Steelers just $1.2 million this year, giving them room to improve the rest of the roster.

Quarterback Russell Wilson will cost the Pittsburgh Steelers the veteran minimum of $1.2 million next season, leaving room for the team to sign Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Queen to a $41 million deal this week.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by NFL (@nfl)

Wilson isn’t short on cash, however, because the Denver Broncos are still required to pay him $39 million in 2024 as part of the $242 million contract he signed two years ago.

Spending so little at quarterback has freed up Pittsburgh to splurge elsewhere. In addition to signing Queen, the Steelers have shipped wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers for defensive back Donte Jackson and re-signed safety Miles Killebrew to a two-year, $6.5 million deal.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by NFL (@nfl)

The Steelers are rebuilding meticulously and frugally. The Ravens split the season series with Pittsburgh last season and, after their rivals’ additions this offseason, should expect very competitive matchups with them this fall. Wilson and the Steelers may make a deep playoff run in 2024 if they continue building on this success throughout the offseason.

Are we ready to be honest about Lamar Jackson?

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson was unimpressive in the AFC championship game, and it’s time to be honest about his shortcomings.

After Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson lost again in the playoffs, it’s time to be honest about his shortcomings.

While offensive coordinator Todd Monken does deserve some blame for abandoning the running game, is Monken wrong for expecting his “MVP” to complete passes with accuracy and timing on three-step drops? Furthermore, Monken’s quick passing attack was the correct counter to the blitz scheme of Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

Jackson’s play was pedestrian at best, holding the ball too long in the pocket, dropping back 15-plus yards aimlessly on the first play, and throwing into triple coverage at a crucial point of the game. The Ravens were 3 of 11 on third down. Jackson went 20 for 37 through the air and was sacked four times, losing a fumble on one of them.

As a result of Jackson’s inability to lead the offense, the Ravens defense had to be on the field for 73 snaps. After shutting the Chiefs down entirely in the second half, the Ravens still had to wake up to the false narrative that Patrick Mahomes carved them up. Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald didn’t even speak to the media before he decided to skip town.

Instead of presuming the Ravens will be back next season, Jackson needs to process the loss and know that the AFC North will be a much more challenging road in 2024. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will return from injury, and the Cleveland Browns will have running back Nick Chubb back from injury.

The Ravens didn’t sign Jackson to a five-year, $260 million contract last offseason for empty promises at the podium, locker room dance moves or his ability to win the MVP award. Jackson must improve his game as a pocket passer. It’s time to hold him accountable.

Lamar Jackson may end Chiefs dynasty in AFC Championship

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson will look to end the Chiefs and advance to Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will make his first-ever appearance in the AFC Championship with a chance to end Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs’ reigning dynasty.

Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo better have an answer for Jackson Sunday. The Ravens average 4.9 yards per carry, using a committee of running backs to wear down opponents. Jackson led the Ravens with  821 rush yards on 148 carries this season. That’s 5.5 yards per attempt.

The Chiefs are allowing 4.5 yards per carry on defense and the Ravens rank No. 2 in the NFL in rushing touchdowns with 26.

Ravens’ offensive coordinator Todd Monken knows how to use the run game in moderation. Monken likes to call on Jackson in the Red Zone but the Chiefs have only allowed 10 rushing touchdowns this year.

Jackson and Monken will want to use the run and intermediate/quick pass game to sustain offensive drives.

Unlike in the past, Jackson now has a plethora of wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs to distribute the ball in the passing game.

Jackson will look to end the Chiefs and advance to Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday.