What Happens When Lamar Jackson Isn't the Star of the Show?
When Lamar Jackson takes the field, the Baltimore Ravens become an entirely different team. His dynamic playmaking ability, uncanny speed, and unparalleled athleticism make him a game-changer. However, what happens when he's not the focal point of the offense? In this article, we'll delve into the Ravens' struggles without their star quarterback and examine how they adapt to his absence.
Without Lamar Jackson, the Ravens' offense often grinds to a halt. In 2020, when Jackson suffered a season-ending injury, the team averaged just 16.4 points per game, a significant decline from the 31.6 points per game they scored with Jackson under center. The Ravens' running game, which relies heavily on Jackson's legs, becomes stagnant, and the passing game suffers from a lack of creativity and precision.
Play-Calling Adjustments
The Ravens' coaching staff is forced to make significant adjustments in their play-calling without Jackson. For instance, they shift their focus from play-action passes and quick-slant routes, which were staples of Jackson's game, to more traditional drop-back passing plays. However, this change in strategy can be a double-edged sword.
On one hand, it allows the Ravens to showcase the skills of backup quarterback Tyler Huntley or potentially Jimmy Garoppolo, should they sign him. The team can try to establish a more methodical attack, exploiting the weaknesses of opposing defenses with a steady diet of short passes and running plays.
On the other hand, this adjustment can make the offense look predictable and stagnant. Without Jackson's flair for improvisation and his ability to extend plays with his feet, the Ravens' offense can become stale and uninteresting.
The Impact on Running Backs
The loss of Jackson also affects the Ravens' running game, particularly the backs who rely on him for blocking and play-action fakes.
* Mark Ingram, the veteran running back, saw his production decline significantly in Jackson's absence. In 2020, Ingram averaged just 3.5 yards per carry, a stark contrast to his 4.8 yards per carry in Jackson-led games.
* J.K. Dobbins, the rookie running back, struggled to find his footing without Jackson. Dobbins averaged just 2.8 yards per carry in non-Jackson games, a far cry from his 5.1 yards per carry in games with Jackson.
* Gus Edwards, the power running back, also saw his production decrease without Jackson. Edwards averaged just 3.2 yards per carry in non-Jackson games, a decline from his 4.5 yards per carry in games with Jackson.
The Ravens' running backs often rely on Jackson for blocking and play-action fakes, which allows them to create big plays in the running game. Without Jackson, the running backs are forced to rely on their own blocking abilities and more traditional running plays, which can be less effective.
The Impact on the Defense
The loss of Jackson also affects the Ravens' defense, particularly in terms of turnovers and sacks.
* In 2020, the Ravens' defense generated just 1.5 takeaways per game without Jackson, a decline from their 2.5 takeaways per game with Jackson.
* The Ravens' defense also struggled to get to the quarterback without Jackson. They averaged just 2.5 sacks per game without Jackson, a decline from their 3.5 sacks per game with Jackson.
Jackson's ability to extend plays with his legs often creates opportunities for the defense to make plays. Without him, the defense is forced to rely on more traditional pass-rushing schemes, which can be less effective.
The Ravens' Options for 2023
The Ravens will have several options to address their issues without Lamar Jackson. Here are a few possibilities:
* Sign a veteran quarterback: The Ravens could sign a veteran quarterback like Jimmy Garoppolo or Deshaun Watson to provide stability and leadership in the absence of Jackson.
* Develop a young quarterback: The Ravens could develop a young quarterback like Tyler Huntley or Anthony Brown to be a long-term replacement for Jackson.
* Adjust the coaching staff
The Ravens could adjust their coaching staff to better suit the needs of their offense without Jackson. For instance, they could hire a more experienced play-caller who is familiar with running a more traditional offense.
The Ravens' success without Lamar Jackson will depend on their ability to adapt to his absence. By adjusting their play-calling, exploiting the weaknesses of opposing defenses, and developing their young players, the Ravens can continue to be a competitive team in the absence of their star quarterback.
