Lamar Jackson’s performance on Monday night wasn’t great, but there was a lot to like about how he played against a Las Vegas defense that pressured him on 54% of his dropbacks. Lamar has once again shown growth going into his 4th season in the NFL.
Lamar’s lack of tightness in his spirals has been a talking point since his days at Louisville, but on Monday night his passes, especially down the field, looked very tight. That bodes well for a Ravens offense searching for consistency after so many injuries to important pieces on the offensive line and to the running back room.
There are a few things to improve on for Jackson. Something he did repeatedly while under pressure in the pocket was this weird jump-throw. Granted, his eyes stayed downfield, so there’s that, but I don’t like this:
something Lamar did a few times the other night. Can't say that I like this:
He tries to get this to Andrews, but it falls short. pic.twitter.com/Q6HfQt15Ou
— Ben Dackiw (@bendackiw) September 17, 2021
While he did get the ball out, this is a disaster waiting to happen. With more talented secondaries looming on the schedule, this is something that needs to be corrected.
On the next drive, Lamar makes a nice read on a pass to Ty’Son Williams who was waiting in the flat.
very next drive, Lamar looks at his first read downfield and sees two Raiders
Instead, throws it to Williams who gets a nice first down. pic.twitter.com/762qQ1wK6J
— Ben Dackiw (@bendackiw) September 17, 2021
Jackson’s first option here was Mark Andrews. A younger, more inexperienced Lamar forces this ball. Instead, Williams gains 21 yards to kickstart a drive that would end in his own 35-yard touchdown run right up the gut.
Lamar’s best throw of the night came on a 10-yard TD to Marquise Brown and this one was a beauty.
Best throw of the night. He gets out of the pocket, sees an open man and puts it right on the money. A younger Lamar runs this ball. pic.twitter.com/Ct7zCDbEWp
— Ben Dackiw (@bendackiw) September 17, 2021
This play showcases how far he’s come as a passer. This ball was a bullet right into Hollywood’s hands. And the throwing motion was quick and effective. In the past, Jackson has utilized more of a sidearm motion, and on plays such as this one -while on the run to his right – he has done this.
Lamar's throwing motion has definitely improved since last season pic.twitter.com/GiuhBAfyzL
— Ben Dackiw (@bendackiw) September 17, 2021
Hollywood has to come back a little bit for this ball instead of continuing his route straight out of bounds. And Lamar does the same thing on the very next play, this time on a throw to his left.
He does it again here: The sidearm motion makes these balls just that little bit more difficult to catch. The ball needs to be closer to the sideline, where only Andrews can make a play. pic.twitter.com/uEOuKPijWL
— Ben Dackiw (@bendackiw) September 17, 2021
The adjustment that Andrews has to make can make this catch difficult (and we know that Andrews has an issue with drops these days). However, in Vegas, Lamar leads Hollywood with the pass while the closest defender can grab nothing but air. That’s progression.
Speaking of progression:
Ok I lied: THIS was the best throw of the night: pic.twitter.com/0UcoSlzPEN
— Ben Dackiw (@bendackiw) September 17, 2021
Defender in his face, sees his man downfield and puts it right int the breadbasket. I think if he puts this ball a little further downfield it’s a touchdown, but hey, I’m not complaining.
Lamar has become a smarter QB since week one of last season. On Monday, he didn’t force bad throws when the defense gave him nothing. Last season, this was a bit of an issue:
Didn't see much of this on Monday: pic.twitter.com/FYmydBw5fu
— Ben Dackiw (@bendackiw) September 17, 2021
Flashing forward to Monday night, the game is tied, the clock is running and its third down. Greg Roman calls a good play and Lamar has the option to throw or run.
Underrated play from Monday: Instead of forcing a ball to Sammy and risking a pick or stopping the clock, Lamar takes the yards while staying in bounds.
This should've been the game. pic.twitter.com/twMgaPKeDJ
— Ben Dackiw (@bendackiw) September 17, 2021
He chose the latter and gave Justin Tucker prime field position to give the Ravens the lead. The Ravens should be 1-0 right now and it would’ve been because of Lamar (and our awesome kicker, but that goes without saying).
So what does all of this mean? Simply put: while Lamar Jackson is a fantastic quarterback, he’s still growing. The fumbles (two lost to the Raiders one of which came in OT) are still an issue. His feet on his throws are still an issue. He still has this issue where he tries to get the ball out too quickly and rushes his motion. However, the progress outweighs all of this.
Jackson was already one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in the league. Now he’s getting smarter. He’s only 24. We have at least another decade of this. We’re in year four.
Lamar Jackson is not to be taken lightly. Ever.
