Another Step Forward For Ravens QB Lamar Jackson?
The league will no longer be surprised by anything Lamar Jackson does considering how prolific his production was in 2020. With that comes a hefty focus placed by opposing teams on slowing down the reigning MVP in ways he hasn’t yet faced in the NFL.
With a league-best average for yards per carry and the greatest touchdown percentage, it won’t be an easy task for Jackson to replicate his 2019 success. Even managing to relatively sustain the numbers he posted last season would be spectacular to see considering how robust they were.
Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman made it abundantly clear that Jackson is more than aware of the ‘target’ that will be on his back in 2020. The quarterback is using it as motivation just as he has been motivated by being the fifth quarterback to go off the board in his draft class.
“We had this conversation when I first saw him this offseason,” Harris said. “I told him, ‘Well, now you know you’re the MVP.’ He looked at me strangely because we never talk about accolades. He responded, ‘What do you mean, Coach?’ He might have been a target before because he’s the quarterback, but he’s going to have a huge target on his back, and they’re going to prepare more for your game.
“He explicitly said to me, ‘They’re preparing for me, but I’m preparing more for them. I’m going to keep a chip on my shoulder.’ He remembers being in that room before becoming the 32nd overall pick. That fuels all of his preparation and where his mindset is. He doesn’t see himself as the MVP; he sees himself as the fifth quarterback taken in his draft class.”
An increase in production in the rushing department surely will not happen for Jackson in 2020. In fact, a relative decline in volume should be expected because the Ravens will be looking to feature his passing ability more in their offense. Naturally, increases in passing production should be expected.
For whatever it’s worth, ESPN’s league-wide projections for each offensive player have Jackson posting regressing results during the upcoming season. They have him throwing 64 more pass attempts for 3,425 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. However, a drop in carries (20) translating to a decline in 304 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.
It’s never easy to win a single MVP award, let along finish within the top five for voting. It’s even that much harder to win the honor multiple times and that’s precisely what Lamar Jackson will look to do with the Baltimore Ravens during the 2020 season.
NFL Analysis Network provides news updates and analysis about the Baltimore Ravens along with all 32 teams in the league. Find us on social media (Twitter & Facebook) to stay up to date with our content.
