Lamar Jackson, Greg Roman to Be More Collaborative for Ravens
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is seeing the field differently in his fifth year.
As a result, he is taking a more collaborative role with offensive coordinator Greg Roman when it comes to calling plays.
That's a strategy that is just fine with Roman.
"I would love to just sit back in a rocking chair and say, ‘Hey, you got it man. Just make me look good!’" Roman said. "Yes, I definitely think he is more vocal. He’s definitely looking at matchups a little harder, and definitely has more ideas. There’s good collaboration going on there, as there always is.
"But I’m definitely open to that, and there are times when – I think you’re referencing last week – he suggested something. I was like, ‘Go for it.’ And we threw a touchdown.”
The Ravens are already seeing the benefits from Jackson's input. In one instance during training camp, Jackson suggested a change in the play-call and threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Rashod Bateman.
Baltimore has shown it can have an explosive offense.
Even with a myriad of injuries last season when Jackson missed five games, the Ravens still performed well.
Here's a breakdown:
Points per game: 22.8 (17th)
Yards per game: 378.8, (6th)
Passing yards per game: 233 (13th)
Rushing yards per game: 145.8 (3rd)
Jackson has the confidence to change the call if sees something in the opposing defense that could create a potentially big play.
He plans to take advantage of that dynamic.
"If I see it in the game, I’m definitely going to call it. I’m hoping so," Jackson said.
