Lamar Jackson has ‘Madden Vision’
Robert Mays, host of The Athletic Football Show, described how the Ravens want Lamar Jackson to be quicker early in pass downs, despite his super power to create second throwing windows by extending a play, or holding on longer.
I find this to be nice in theory. Having an on time quick pass game can help to thwart a pass rush, particularly as the Ravens had three new starters inside. Much has been made of Lamar Jackson’s footwork changes under Declan Doyle this offseason, but those changes are to chase the result of attacking a defense faster in a pass down. Being more throw ready both physically and in terms of timing. The best offense is every offense, and getting the Ravens into a more structurally efficient place in the quick timing/West Coast Offense sense will help them against overwhelming pass rushes later on. Jackson has been particularly interception/turnover averse throughout his career, and to operate a quick timing pass game, you might not get to ensure the safety of the football. However, these are necessary growing pains in order to have a more complete offense.
This is an interesting thought experiment on paper, however, Jackson has still operated extremely well when getting the ball out quick. To say it’s not something he’s done before is obtuse, as Jackson lead the NFL in both yards per attempt (8.4) and completion percentage (82.4% in 2024 when getting the ball out in 2.5s or less, per PFF. If I had to guess, that’s Doyle’s overarching thought. Leaning on more quick passing alleviates pressure on the Ravens offensive line, protects Jackson from hits as he enters his 30’s, and simply adds another club to the bag.
The first injury report tells us who is actually ready
Baltimore released its first injury report of the season Wednesday, and the headline is mostly good news: every player on the 53-man roster practiced, with four limited.
Zay Flowers (hamstring) was one of them, but he waved off the worry himself. “I feel great. I feel better than ever,” he told reporters, adding that he hopes to be a full participant over the last two practices. The strain traces to the Minnesota joint sessions in August, and Baltimore has slow-played it on purpose. He is expected to play Sunday. The one thing we are watching to the wire: hamstrings on a receiver whose entire game is burst and sudden change of direction are never fully in the clear until he is cutting at full speed in a game.
Nnamdi Madubuike (neck) is the name to temper expectations on. He was limited, has been hitting the sled hard, and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said he “looks fantastic,” but he has not played since Week 2 of last season and the ramp has been deliberately slow. Minter is not ruling him out. Most around the team are quietly operating as if he does not suit up in Indianapolis, and there is no reason to rush a player back from a neck surgery for a Week 1 road game.
Two more were limited: rookie linebacker Teddye Buchanan (knee), working back from a December ACL, and receiver Devontez Walker (groin), a newer issue the team is calling minor. Nobody has been ruled out yet. Friday’s designations will tell the real story.
Game week: what Baltimore is walking into
This is not a tune-up opener. Indianapolis was one of the hottest teams in football through the middle of last season before injuries pulled it apart, and the pieces that made it dangerous are back on the field.
