The NFL has spent the better part of the last seven seasons trying to solve Lamar Jackson. Defenses have thrown every imaginable wrinkle at the Baltimore Ravens quarterback. They’ve stacked the box, blitzed relentlessly, played zone, played man, and tried to force him to win from the pocket. Through it all, Jackson has continued evolving, collecting two MVP awards while establishing himself as one of the most electrifying players the league has ever seen.
According to the teammate who knows him better than almost anyone, Jackson’s evolution isn’t finished. During a recent interview with CBS Sports, Ravens tight end Mark Andrews discussed everything from Baltimore’s new offensive system under coordinator Declan Doyle to his personal challenges with living with Type 1 diabetes since he was nine years old. In doing the latter, he has become an ambassador of sorts while raising money for various charities.
While the conversation covered several topics, one takeaway should have Ravens fans excited. Andrews believes the new scheme will unlock another level of Jackson’s game.
Andrews and Jackson entered the NFL together in 2018. The former first- and third-round picks have grown into one of football’s most productive quarterback-tight end duos, experiencing multiple offensive systems and countless memorable moments along the way.
Even with that history, Andrews described Doyle’s offense as something entirely new. He’s been mentioned as someone who could produce an outstanding season, but it was what he said about how his QB1 is adjusting to it that should have future Ravens opponents losing sleep months before game days.
“This is a different offense than we’ve been a part of since we got into the league. It’s totally different than anything we’ve done… I think (Jackson’s) going to make it his own, adapt to it and be the best that there is… That’s the type of person that he is… I think that’s a scary sight when you see Lamar Jackson adding new things to his repertoire.”
“This is a different offense than we’ve been a part of since we got into the league. It’s totally different than anything we’ve done… I think (Jackson’s) going to make it his own, adapt to it and be the best that there is… That’s the type of person that he is… I think that’s a scary sight when you see Lamar Jackson adding new things to his repertoire.”
That’s about as strong an endorsement as a quarterback can receive from a teammate who’s caught more passes from him than anyone else in franchise history.
One of the more interesting parts of Andrews’ comments had little to do with the scheme. He pointed, instead, to Jackson’s mindset.
“This is an ever-changing league, and he’s ever-changing himself. He’s constantly evolving and getting better.”
“This is an ever-changing league, and he’s ever-changing himself. He’s constantly evolving and getting better.”
That’s a significant statement considering everything Jackson has already accomplished. Many elite quarterbacks rely on what has worked throughout their careers. Andrews believes Jackson’s greatest strength is his refusal to become comfortable. Instead, he continues searching for new ways to improve while setting what Andrews called a “high bar” for everyone else inside Baltimore’s locker room.
The Ravens are entering a new era. Change naturally brings uncertainty, but Andrews doesn’t sound like someone worried about the transition. Quite the opposite, in fact.
If his assessment proves accurate, Baltimore won’t simply be installing a new offense this fall. The Ravens could be watching one of the NFL’s most dynamic quarterbacks add yet another dimension to an already remarkable game. That’s an exciting thought for Baltimore, and perhaps a frightening one for the rest of the league.
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