The Baltimore Ravens need their star quarterback to be at his best out there.
Last season, Todd Monken had Lamar Jackson sitting comfortably in the pocket, and while he still made plays with his legs, he went away from his natural instincts at times.
That could be the case again this season, as Derrick Henry will handle the bulk of the running game, all while they look to keep him out of harm’s way, particularly with his history of injuries.
With that in mind, he looked to get slimmer this offseason.
Talking to NFL on CBS, Jackson claimed that he felt slower and out of shape two years ago, which is why he wanted to get slimmer.
“I believe I looked a little slower to me but…NOT NOW.”
– Lamar Jackson believes 2 years ago he looked out of shape but he doesn’t feel that way anymore after slimming down this offseason 💪
🎤: @jjones9 pic.twitter.com/eJKorbJRIP
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) August 6, 2024
He feels he’s going to be more elusive and faster now that he’s shed a couple of pounds, and he believes that’s going to help him prevent fatigue and help with his mobility.
Jackson is the best scrambler in the game, and it’s not even close.
Having him out there keeps opposing defenses honest, as they have to be prepared for every potential possibility on every single snap.
And even if we don’t see as many designed runs for him as we did in the past as the Ravens look to turn him into more of a passer, he must be in top shape to make the most of the gaps he has ahead of him every time they become available.
The Ravens’ Super Bowl window is wide open, and it will all come down to their quarterback’s play.
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