The Baltimore Ravens seemingly made a statement to quarterback Joe Flacco when they traded up to select quarterback Lamar Jackson with the 32nd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. However, Jackson has gotten off to a rough start thus far and he is well aware of it.
Jackson's performance has fluctuated throughout the preseason and Monday night's 20-19 win over the Indianapolis Colts was further proof of it. According to ESPN's Jamison Hensley, Jackson is not happy with how he has played:
“I don't feel like I've performed at a high level yet,” Jackson said.
“I came out cold,” Jackson said. “I got to learn that when the vet is up, I have to stay warm through the process. I didn't do a good job tonight. I started off slow, incompleting a lot of balls that I didn't like, but I ended up throwing a touchdown.”
There is plenty of truth to Jackson's comments. Despite the few flashes of brilliance, he has had some trouble with his accuracy and decision-making. He completed just 7 of 15 passes for 49 yards and a touchdown against the Colts. It marked the third straight game in which he failed to complete at least half of his throws.
His accuracy issues should hardly come as any surprise considering they were a point of concern throughout his tumultuous draft process. Like any rookie quarterback, it is going to take some time for him to get acquainted with reading coverages and developing timing with his wideouts.
Fortunately, the Ravens did not bring the former Heisman Trophy winner in to replace Flacco immediately and knew it was going to take some time for him develop. Regardless, it is clear that Jackson has high expectations for himself moving forward.
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