Tag: James Urban

Are Browns and QB coach target James Urban in the clear from Ravens?

Is the coast clear for the Browns?

The Cleveland Browns need a new quarterbacks coach after Drew Petzing took a promotion as the offensive coordinator with the Arizona Cardinals. From the start of their new search, there has been a connection to James Urban, who has been the quarterbacks coach of the Baltimore Ravens for the past five seasons. And now that offensive coordinator Todd Monken has been hired, the Ravens have promoted their wide receivers coach Tee Martin to quarterbacks coach.

Is this a sign that Urban is heading elsewhere? Does this put the Browns in the clear to poach a coach from a division rival? Or will Urban be relocated somewhere else within the organization? Regardless, the move that frees up Urban is an interesting one nonetheless.

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Ravens reportedly interview two internal candidates for vacant OC job

The Ravens reportedly interviewed two internal candidates for their vacant offensive coordinator job

The Baltimore Ravens parted ways with offensive coordinator Greg Roman last week, opening up the position for someone new to come in with fresh ideas. Baltimore has been requesting and conducting interviews, both with candidates from inside and outside the organization.

On Tuesday, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reported that the Ravens interviewed their quarterbacks coach in James Urban and their tight ends coach in George Godsey for their offensive coordinator position. Urban has been with the franchise since 2018, while Godsey joined in 2022.

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Ravens QB Anthony Brown discusses progress over course of 2022 offseason

Ravens quarterback Anthony Brown discussed his improvements over the course of the 2022 offseason

The goal of an NFL player is to keep improving day after day and game after game. That includes Baltimore Ravens quarterback Anthony Brown, who has made strides throughout the offseason up until the final preseason game against the Washington Commanders, which Baltimore emerged victorious from by the final score of 17-15.

Brown was asked after the game about how much he feels like his game has improved from the start of minicamp to the final preseason game. He revealed that he believes he’s made plenty of improvements, but credited a lot of people for their contributions in his development over the past few months.

“I would say that I improved a lot, but it had nothing to do with me, aside from staying the course. [Quarterbacks] coach [James] Urban, [assistant quarterbacks] coach Kerry Dixon, [QB] Lamar [Jackson] and ‘Snoop’ [QB Tyler Huntley] have taught me a lot along the way, as far as picking up the speed of the game and stuff like that. We practice so hard that when we get into these games, it feels a lot slower, so that was a huge part of my development”

The NFL can be a tough league to secure a steady role in, especially the quarterback position.  For Brown, his improvement this offseason will help him throughout his football career. While it feels unlikely that the Ravens will keep three quarterbacks on their roster, Brown has put together plenty of positive tape over the course of the 2022 preseason, and would be the perfect third-quarterback option behind Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley.

Ravens QB coach James Urban discusses QB Lamar Jackson’s chemistry with TEs on roster

Ravens quarterback coach James Urban discussed quarterback Lamar Jackson’s chemistry with the tight ends on the roster

The Baltimore Ravens are gearing up for the 2022 season after finishing 2021 with an 8-9 record and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2017. They’re looking to bounce back in a big way, especially after ending last season on a six-game losing streak.

After training camp practice on Saturday, Baltimore quarterbacks coach James Urban spoke to the media. He was asked about quarterback Lamar Jackson’s chemistry with tight ends such as Mark Andrews and even Isaiah Likely, and Urban said that both have great natural pass-catching ability.

“I’m sure there is something about tight ends, but I would say that Mark [Andrews] and Isaiah [Likely] – certainly Mark, and it sure looks like Isaiah – have great natural pass-catching ability. So, heck with the position … Doesn’t matter what you call them. Call them peaches; it doesn’t matter. They’re good football players, and good football players find a way to get the ball.”

Jackson and Andrews have developed a strong connection ever since both being drafted in the 2018 NFL draft. Likely was selected in the fourth round of the 2022 draft, but through training camp he’s established chemistry of his own with Jackson. The Ravens’ offense will be heavily reliant on tight ends, and Andrews as well as Likely will be at the forefront of Baltimore’s pass-catching group at the position.

Ravens QB coach James Urban discusses work ethic of QB Lamar Jackson

Ravens quarterback coach James Urban discussed quarterback Lamar Jackson’s work ethic

The Baltimore Ravens have been able to see the growth and maturation of quarterback Lamar Jackson as a player and a person over the past four years. Ever since being drafted with the 32nd overall pick in the 2018 draft, he has proven that he is among the best of the best at the NFL level, and works hard to continue to improve.

When asked by the media about Jackson’s work ethic following one of Baltimore’s mandatory minicamp practices, Ravens quarterback coach James Urban praised the fifth-year player for how hard he focuses on getting better. He talked about how that fact hasn’t changed, and how important it is to him.

“Yes, I’ve always told you, Lamar [Jackson] works tremendously hard. That hasn’t changed. My opinion of that hasn’t changed. What I see from what he’s done hasn’t changed a bit. He works very, very hard. It’s very important to him, and there’s no question about that.”

Jackson has broken numerous team records, brought home the second-ever unanimous MVP in NFL history, and has single handedly won the Ravens game after game with his ability. Part of the reason why he’s been able to be so successful comes from his work ethic and determination, something that hasn’t wavered since entering the league.

Ravens QB coach James Urban shares what he’s seen from QB Brett Hundley

Ravens quarterback coach James Urban shared what he’s seen from quarterback Brent Hundley

The Baltimore Ravens have their star quarterback in fifth-year signal caller Lamar Jackson. He has established himself as one of the best at his position throughout the entire NFL, but in a sport where injuries are so prevalent, having depth behind stars is as important as ever.

When speaking to the media after one of Baltimore’s mandatory minicamp practices, Ravens quarterback coach James Urban was asked about what he’s seen out of quarterback Brent Hundley, who signed with the team a few weeks ago. Urban talked about the veteran quarterback’s experience, complimenting how diligent he is.

“Brett [Hundley], boy, he’s had some experience now with some of the rooms he’s been in. Anytime you’re going into Year Eight in this league … It’s funny, he just had his 29th birthday, and all of our guys are calling him the ‘OG’ like he’s an old guy. It’s not … 29, ‘geez’, I wish. (laughter) But no, I love his experience. He’s a diligent guy. When you’re in that role, you’ve got to take advantage of mental reps, and he does a great job with that.”

With Jackson and his backup in Tyler Huntley in the fold already, Hundley could be competing for the third quarterback job in Baltimore, or a spot on the team’s practice squad if they end up only keeping two signal callers on their final roster. The veteran brings plenty of experience to a somewhat young quarterback room, which is very valuable.

Hundley was drafted in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL draft by the Green Bay Packers after an illustrious college career at UCLA. He was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2019, and has also spent time with the Arizona Cardinals and Indianapolis Colts. In 18 games, Huntley has thrown for 1,902 yards with nine touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Ravens QB coach James Urban praises offseason preparation of QB Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks coach James Urban shared his thoughts on the development of quarterback Lamar Jackson with a new offense.

The Baltimore Ravens held their 2022 mandatory minicamp over three days at the team’s facility, and all eyes were on the return of quarterback Lamar Jackson. The fifth-year signal caller had missed all of voluntary organized team activities, and some questioned how he could build a rapport around the new offense.

Following the final day of mandatory minicamp, Ravens quarterbacks coach James Urban spoke to the media. One of the questions asked by reporters was on the development that Jackson has had with the new offense over the three-day minicamp. Urban said Jackson’s offseason workouts away from the team has helped the quarterback prepare for his new offense.

“Lamar [Jackson], obviously, handled his business when he was away from us, and he’s worked tremendously hard. I told him many times – having worked with him over these years – I said, ‘I’ll be able to tell as soon as I see you, and as soon as we get out on the field.’ And I could tell in the best way possible.”

 

Jackson is a former league-MVP and has shattered numerous records in his first four years in the NFL, so it’s not surprising to hear he is doing well with the team at practice. Jackson has also expressed on multiple occasions that he is focused on winning and bringing a Lombardi Trophy to Baltimore. His mentality will always have him ready to compete and be in the best shape possible as he continues to improve his game and grow as a player.

Ravens QB coach James Urban discusses mentality of QB Lamar Jackson when ignoring outside noise

Ravens quarterback coach James Urban discussed the mentality of quarterback Lamar Jackson when ignoring outside noise

Baltimore Ravens quarterback coach James Urban has been paired with quarterback Lamar Jackson for a few seasons now. They’ve created a special bond, one that has played a big part in Jackson’s development over the course of his entire NFL career.

Sometimes a player can read and hear things from the media that might cause some distractions. Urban was asked about how great Jackson is about ignoring the distractions when he’s on the practice field and in the facility, and the coach talked about how the quarterback is a master of not worrying about any outside noise.

“No, we’ve always had this mentality when we come to this building, when you walk through the doors of ‘The Castle’ here in this beautiful facility, we go to work. So, when we walk out onto the field, it’s time to work. We don’t worry about the outside distractions. He is a master of that. He is tremendously good at focusing on the task at hand. So, when we’re in meetings, that’s the task. Or when we’re on the field, that’s the task”

One of the best things about Jackson is his ability to ignore everything that’s not important to the team. He’s extremely focused on winning and bringing a championship to the Ravens organization, and won’t let anything outside of the organization distract him or impact him in any negative way.

Top candidates to replace Anthony Lynn as the Lions offensive coordinator

Top candidates to replace Anthony Lynn as the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator

There will be a new offensive coordinator in Detroit in 2022. With Anthony Lynn officially out after one season, a 2021 campaign where head coach Dan Campbell took over for Lynn midseason, the Lions have an opening for someone to run the offense.

In the same press conference, Campbell acknowledged he has not made a decision on whether he will continue to call the plays as the head coach. That could complicate the competition to take over for Lynn, a coach who just didn’t fit with Campbell and the rest of the staff.

Here are some of the top candidates to take over as the Lions offensive coordinator.

Ravens QBs coach James Urban details how QB Lamar Jackson has been able to progress as a passer

Ravens quarterbacks coach James Urban detailed how quarterback Lamar Jackson has grown as a passer

The Baltimore Ravens have seen quarterback Lamar Jackson take an extraordinary leap as a passer during his fourth NFL season. Many were expecting Jackson to improve throwing the football in 2021, but the quarterback has truly impressed on so many fronts while tossing beautiful passes to his wide receivers.

When Baltimore quarterbacks coach James Urban was asked about what has been the key for Jackson and his growth, the coach mentioned that it’s natural progression for Jackson, implying that he and the team were also expecting the huge jump that the quarterback has shown so far.

“I just think it’s a natural progression. Not to discount all the hard work that he’s put in – he has. Not to discount some of the schemes that we’ve put in; I just think it’s a natural progression. He’s in Year Four in this league, and that’s the progression you need to make. Like I said before, if we’re not changing our game, then people are catching up to us or you’re not getting any better. So, that was an area of his game that we wanted to get improved upon, and that’s what he’s done.”

Urban also mentioned the throwing mechanics of Jackson have been much more consistent this season.

“The consistency with the mechanics is much improved, yes. Yes, it’s been much more consistent.”

Jackson is completing 64.9% of his passes through seven weeks, throwing for 1,943 yard through the air as well as 10 passing touchdowns compared to just five interceptions. He looks much more calm and poised in the pocket in 2021 as opposed to previous seasons, which seemingly has a bit to do with the natural progression that Urban talked about.

The fourth-year quarterback has been through a lot at the NFL level over his time as a starter. He’s been able to learn from his successes as well as his failures, and it’s all beginning to truly come together for Jackson. While he still does need to improve in certain areas of his game, the progression that he’s shown as a passer is extremely promising for how he can continue to build and grow as an all-around football player.