Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has been vocal about his lack of production thus far in the preseason. However, it appears the Ravens have bigger concerns for him at this point.
Jackson has taken his fair share of hits through the first few games. According to ESPN's Jamison Hensley, offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg says this has become a cause for concern:
“Yeah, that's not good,” Mornhinweg said Wednesday. “It's just that simple.”
Mornhinweg added that it is going to take some time to get Jackson accustomed to taking fewer hits.
“We'd rather get down a step too early than a step too late,” Mornhinweg said. “As you can see, that's an ongoing process. Some of it is experience because he needs to have to filter through what he can get away with and what he can't in this league.”
Jackson's versatile skill set as both a runner and a passer leaves him vulnerable to more hits than the average pocket quarterback. This playing style can cause some serious wear and tear on the body.
The Ravens have proof of what can happen when a young talent takes too many hits on their roster in quarterback Robert Griffin III. Griffin was one one of the most promising quarterbacks in the NFL until a rash of injuries derailed his career. That said, Baltimore will attempt to take precautionary measures to ensure this does not happen to Jackson.
It is hardly unusual for young quarterbacks to initiate contact rather than shy away from it early in their careers. However, they eventually learn to avoid taking any unnecessary hits as time goes on. Jackson will need to learn this lesson much sooner if he hopes to avoid any severe injuries.
Follow Us
Subscribe