Jamison HensleyESPN Staff Writer May 24, 2023 4:43pm ET2 minute read
OWINGS MILLS, Md. – Lamar Jackson’s first impression of the Baltimore Ravens’ new offense: more freedom and less reliance on his legs.
After his first practice session with the Ravens’ new offensive coordinator, Todd Monken, Jackson said he was extremely pleased with the direction of the new plan and believed a change in philosophy was needed to be successful going forward.
“Less running and more throwing,” Jackson said when asked what he can show off with that offense.
Jackson is the most prolific running quarterback in NFL history. His 4,437 career rushing yards is the most of any quarterback in the first five seasons — 1,230 more yards than Cam Newton, who ranks second.
Baltimore is 16-1 when Jackson rushes for 90 or more yards, but the quarterback also has an NFL-high 877 hits over the past five seasons.
Jackson smiled widely when asked if his rushing attempts would be scaled back this year.
“Absolutely, absolutely,” Jackson said. “Especially with the receivers we have.”
The Ravens reshaped a group that finished bottom in receiving yards in the NFL last season. Baltimore signed Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor as free agency, then drafted Zay Flowers in the first round.
Jackson hinted that the improved supporting cast will change the offensive focus. In four seasons under former offensive coordinator Greg Roman, the Ravens ranked first in rushing attempts (2,194) and second-bottom in passing attempts (1,945).
“Running can only get you so far,” Jackson said. “And I feel like we need that in this new era of squads and offense in the league. From coach Todd Monken’s offense so far, what I’ve seen looks great.”
Wednesday’s practice was Jackson’s first since he became the NFL’s highest-paid player at $52 million a season. He missed the last two weeks of voluntary on-field training and skipped Monday’s first organized team activity before reporting on Tuesday.
The Ravens kept Jackson out of team practice, but coach John Harbaugh said the team will “boost” him going forward.
“Obviously I’m glad he’s here,” Harbaugh said. “He was at the meetings. He has been completely confined for the past two days. So that’s a good thing.”
In addition to a five-year, $260 million contract, the Ravens are giving Jackson more leeway on the line of scrimmage. He pointed out that Monken “basically just gives us the key to attack.”
“You can change things whenever you want,” Jackson said. “You see the defense and it doesn’t look right to you. If you see someone flashing, you might want your receiver to do something different. The coach gives you free will to do whatever you want.”