Lamar Jackson To Run Less, Rely On Teammates More In 2023
The Baltimore Ravens are evolving their style to protect quarterback Lamar Jackson, the most expensive asset in the league.
When he burst onto the scene, Lamar Jackson and his running style were credited with ‘revolutionizing football’.
Now they’re paying him $52 million a season, Baltimore has a plan to preserve his legs and not tire them. New offensive coordinator Todd Monken says surrounding Lamar Jackson with elite talent will help to keep him getting burned out.
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Odell Beckham Jr., Nelson Agholor and first-round WR Zay Flowers have been recruited to supplement Jackson in 2023.
“I think the more talented you are around your quarterback, the less he has to burden — take on that burden — shoulder the load, because you’re excited about getting others the football where they can utilize their skill set,” Monken said
“As you get further into your career, as Lamar gets older — as everybody does — you want to take some of that off of the player as best you can,” Monken added. “But he has a unique trait, a unique skillset. You can’t take that completely out of his toolbox because that’s a huge weapon for him and for us, is using his feet.
“You’re paid to move the football and score, and that’s a lot easier with talented players,” Monken said. “As I always say, ‘Cookies taste better with sugar than they do with vinegar.’ So, you surround yourself with sugar.”
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“Well, first off, we’re excited about the guys who are here,” Monken said. “I know Lamar is working hard. I know the guys that aren’t here are working hard; they’re pros. When they’re here, they’re here. We look forward to getting them here and getting up to speed to what we’re doing offensively. I think that’s probably the biggest challenge, but it’s football. When they get here, they get here, and we’ll get them up to speed.”
