OTL: Lamar’s Progression Continues this Offseason

The evolution of an NFL quarterback is an interesting sight to behold. Rarely do rookies just step onto the field and look like the polished product the Texans presented last season with C.J. Stroud.

Take Lamar Jackson, the twice-dubbed MVP, for instance. We have watched him develop as a passer, both in terms of his ability to make throws from the pocket and the elimination of those two or three head-scratcher throws a game on “gimmes” when he first took the job.

The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec shared a story about how Jackson is working on fine-tuning his pre-snap work this offseason — the element that made Tom Brady the best to do it, in my opinion.

Ravens are scheduled to be back on field in about 90 minutes for the final day of minicamp. But first, a look back at yesterdays workout as Lamar Jackson continues to do more pre/snap, Isaiah Likely made another highlight reel catch and Madubuike got loose https://t.co/l00t6xQZ0J

— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) June 13, 2024

Zrebiec wrote about how quarterback coach Tee Martin, a national championship-winning quarterback in his college days, has been working with Jackson on this critical skill.

“It takes him understanding how we’re blocking things up front to get us to the best run and the best pass for whatever coverage we’re facing,” Martin said, via Zrebiec. “He’s accepted it and done a heck of a job of getting us into the right play, and today was probably the best day in a long time of him really just having the freedom to do what he wants to do. We saw some really good plays and some positive gains with him doing that today.”

Zrebiec noted that coach John Harbaugh explained the offense’s rash of false starts at practice because the offense was working on changing up cadences — another pre-snap move by quarterbacks. Following an offseason of self-scouting the offense, according to Zrebiec, this became a focus.

“Last year was really a great year in a sense of doing things from a technical standpoint, a new system, new obligations, new responsibilities, progressions, schemes, things of that nature and just building upon what we started last season,” Martin said, according to Zrebiec’s coverage. “This offseason has been a lot about that. We started with a self-scout of him, and the things from a passing standpoint that we wanted to improve on, technique-wise, reads, things of that nature, from a run-game standpoint. And then build from that to, how can we push that even further and give him more responsibilities within the offense and doing more things that he likes to do, and listening to him and things that he likes and building around that.”

Bateman continues to wear the spotlight

One player who has generated a ton of interest/passion this offseason has been receiver Rashod Bateman — he of the tantalizing talent, frustrating injury history and puzzling lack of production, despite showing splashes of an ability to generate big plays. The Sun’s Mike Preston focused on Bateman quite a bit in his most recent piece.

Mike Preston’s Ravens observations on Rashod Bateman frustration, belief in Jalyn Armour-Davis and more | COMMENTARY

“In fact, during the second practice of a three-day mandatory minicamp Wednesday, Bateman and quarterback Lamar Jackson lacked timing on several passes, and there were times when Bateman seemed frustrated,” wrote Preston.

“Haven’t we seen this before? Look no further than at the beginning of last season, when Bateman’s body language told the story of how he seemed to be the forgotten receiver behind Odell Beckham Jr., Nelson Agholor and tight end Mark Andrews. He sulked through the early part of the season but still managed 36 receptions for 408 yards and a touchdown,” Preston continued.

It’s a long way to go before the Ravens start the regular season, and we’ll get a better sense of where the Bateman-Jackson pairing sits. But it’s getting to that point where some actual production would be nice to see.

Also of note:

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson’s chemistry with receivers, new cadence key for offense: ‘Next level’

Ravens, Chiefs Could Targets Buccaneers Disgruntled Pass Rusher

Pat Ricard Says What We’re All Thinking About Ravens’ AFC Champsionship Game Game Plan | Ebony Bird

Strong Day 2, Zay even had wings:https://t.co/G6JA8FYCRn

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) June 12, 2024

Great LB, Ro is a great man! Luv this guy #0 https://t.co/4djLyeKrly

— Chuck Smith (@chucksmithnfl) June 12, 2024

Derrick Henry is full of surprises: pic.twitter.com/2panCswsrI

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) June 12, 2024

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