OWGS MILLS, Md. — Lamar Jackson‘s first opinion a Baltimore Ravens‘ a new offense: too much freedom and too little reliance on his legs.
After his first interaction with new Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Jackson said he was very pleased with the way the system is going and believes strategic changes are needed to keep things moving forward.
“A little bit of running and a lot of throwing,” Jackson said when asked what the offense will allow him to showcase.
Jackson is the leading rusher in NFL history. His 4,437 career rushing yards are the most in their first five seasons – 1,230 yards more than Cam Newton, who is second.
Baltimore is 16-1 when Jackson rushes for 90 yards or more, but the quarterback has also taken an NFL-high 877 touchdowns over the past five seasons.
Jackson flashed a big smile when asked if his efforts would be reduced this year.
“Absolutely, absolutely,” Jackson said. “Especially with the receivers we have.”
The Ravens also overhauled the team that was last in the NFL last season in receiving yards. Baltimore signed Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor in free will and then written Zay Flowers in the first part.
Mr. Jackson pointed out that the successful facilitators will change the nature of the crime. In four years under former offensive coordinator Greg Roman, the Ravens ranked first in rushing attempts (2,194) and second to last in passing attempts (1,945).
“Running can only get you so far,” Jackson said. “And I feel like with this new era of teams and offenses in the league, I feel like we need that. Coach Todd Monken, what I’ve seen of his offense so far, it looks really good.”
Wednesday’s performance was Jackson’s first since becoming the NFL’s highest-paid player $52 million a year. He missed the last two weeks of practice by choice and skipped the first practice squad before Monday’s practice. report on Tuesday.
The Ravens held Jackson out of the team’s workout, but coach John Harbaugh said the team is “motivating” him moving forward.
“I’m glad he’s here,” Harbaugh said. “He was in meetings. He was trapped in the last two days, completely trapped inside.
In addition to the five-year, $260 million contract, the Ravens are giving Jackson more opportunities at the line of scrimmage. He added that Monken “really just gives us the keys to the offense, really.”
“You can change things when you want,” Jackson said. “You see the defense, and it doesn’t look good to you. You see someone shoot, you want the receiver to do something different. The coach gives you the freedom to do whatever you want.”