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The Baltimore Ravens have huge expectations for the 2024 NFL season. The Ravens were a dominant force in 2023, earning the number one seed in the AFC and hosting an AFC Championship game. However, they ultimately fell in a close game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Baltimore will need to take their offense to another level if they want to make it to the Super Bowl.
The Ravens were without Lamar Jackson for most of the team's voluntary OTAs. Jackson is present for the team's mandatory minicamp and was finally asked about his OTA absences by the media.
Jackson stonewalled the reporters.
“I never discuss my contract up here,” Jackson said, per ESPN's Jamison Hensley. “I'm not about to start today.”
Jackson attended the last week of voluntary OTAs and has been at the first two days of mandatory minicamp. His contract includes a $750,000 offseason workout bonus in each year of the deal. Jackson left real money on the table by choosing to not attend all of voluntary OTAs.
“I'm focusing on just getting better and focusing on tomorrow,” Jackson said. “We just had a great practice. We're just trying to keep it going. Then, when [training] camp comes, camp is going to come.”
Jackson was hopeful about the possibility of connecting with some of his wide receivers before training camp.
“I would love to do that, but some guys don't want to leave their state,” Jackson said. “They're going to have to come to South Florida. They're going to have to do it. We have to. We're trying to get to the Super Bowl, and for us to do that, we have to grind. We have to build chemistry.”
Ravens RB Derrick Henry is excited to play with Lamar Jackson in 2024
Derrick Henry may be the difference that the Ravens need on offense.
The bruising running back parted ways with the Tennessee Titans this offseason. He entered free agency and signed with the Baltimore Ravens on a two-year, $16 million contract.
Henry is reportedly excited to play in the same offense at QB Lamar Jackson.
“It definitely brings a different aspect, because he is a dual-threat quarterback, and he’s dangerous with his legs just as he is with his arm,” Henry said on Tuesday, via Jeff Zrebierc of The Athletic. “It’s going to be fun and a breath of fresh air not being the center of attention, knowing that eyes are going to be on him, as well. But I’m just excited to get to work and put the work in out here and let it all come together.”
The combination of Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson makes Baltimore the early favorite to lead the league in rushing yards.
It will be fascinating to see how the Ravens deploy both Jackson and Henry at the same time. Much of the appeal of the duo is that you don't know who will get the ball on any given play.
Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken reportedly wants to use Henry as the team's closer late in games. He is the perfect back to smash into a tired defense and close out a victory.
We can't wait to watch the Ravens offense later this fall.
