Fortunately for Harbaugh, he does not need to be concerned about Jackson and the quarterback situation, unlike last year at this time.ORLANDO, Fla. — As Ravens coach John Harbaugh sat down with reporters Monday morning at this week’s NFL owners meetings, he checked his phone and texted quarterback Lamar Jackson. By the time the 35-minute session was over, he still hadn’t heard back from the NFL’s two-time Most Valuable Player.
It is unknown if the Ravens will be able to enhance their skills and achieve the same level of success on defense, especially in terms of pressuring the quarterback.
This unpredictability also brings some uncertainty, though it may only be temporary.
However, Harbaugh did not dismiss the idea of Clowney or Van Noy potentially coming back.
“We do not desire to follow patterns or be predictable in our actions.”
Guards Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson both departed in free agency to the Detroit Lions and New York Jets, respectively, while right tackle Morgan Moses became essentially a salary cap casualty and was traded to the Jets in a pick swap that also cleared .5 million in cap space. The only returning starters are Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum and left tackle Ronnie Stanley, who reportedly took a pay cut in restructuring his contract that now features various performance-based incentives after the 30-year-old missed four games because of injury last season and was rotated in a late in the year.
Harbaugh stated that he admires how he is evaluating every aspect of his game, beginning with himself.
The coach was asked about the potential impact of Henry, who is considered to be one of the greatest players in the history of the game and the top back during Jackson’s time with the team. He admitted that he wasn’t certain how things would be different, and then shared a story about his wife Ingrid reading a book about snipers during their trip to Florida. The subject of the book discussed using patterns in the enemy’s behavior to their advantage during wartime.
The individuals who will be placed in these positions have yet to be determined. However, Baltimore has some potential candidates within the organization, including tackle Daniel Faalele, who will be given the opportunity to start according to Harbaugh. Other options include guard Josh Jones who was recently signed, Andrew Vorhees who has fully recovered from a torn ACL suffered at last year’s NFL scouting combine, and Sala Aumavae-Laulu and Ben Cleveland.
An essential factor for the Ravens’ offense in year 2024, when they have Derrick Henry on their team, will be their ability to surprise their opponents. (By Kevin Richardson, Staff writer)
Currently, the focus is on both of them progressing towards the next level: reaching the Super Bowl.
Harbaugh mentioned that in the past three years, they have picked two impressive players in the first round, namely Flowers who was a rookie last year and topped the team in catches and yards, and Bateman. He also added that he believes Rashod and Zay will be enthusiastic to join forces and lead the team. This serves as a starting point for success. Additionally, the team will have the veteran player Nelly returning, who showed great performance last season. He is a versatile player and played at a high level.
Jackson has never had the opportunity to play with a top-tier running back like Henry. His arrival coincides with the hiring of offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who was brought in to change Baltimore’s style of play from a run-heavy approach to a more dynamic, spread offense. This transition resulted in Jackson setting personal records in passing yards (3,678) and completion percentage (67.2) last season. Baltimore came close to reaching the Super Bowl for the first time in over ten years, but ultimately fell short in the AFC title game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Surprisingly, Ravens running backs only carried the ball six times in the game.
The identity of the individual who will block for Henry is still uncertain.
Mike Macdonald, who previously served as a defensive coordinator, has been named the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens’ inside linebackers coach, Zach Orr, age 31, has been promoted to the same position. Anthony Weaver, formerly the defensive line coach, and Dennard Wilson, the former defensive backs coach, have taken on the roles of defensive coordinators for the Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Titans, respectively. Taking over their previous positions are Dennis Johnson and Doug Mallory. As for outside linebackers Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy, who had the second and third most sacks on the team last season, they are currently free agents.
Earlier this month, Odell Beckham Jr. was let go due to salary reasons. While he is currently not signed to a team, it is unlikely that he will return. The current top three receivers for Baltimore are Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and Nelson Agholor, who re-signed in the previous month.
Harbaugh’s smile indicated that there was no cause for concern, unlike at last year’s event when Jackson had tweeted upon the coach’s arrival that he had requested a trade from Baltimore after feeling undervalued during contract talks.
Harbaugh expressed anticipation for this year’s line to surpass last year’s performance, stating that the constant objective is to make progress.
With Jackson’s future in Baltimore ensured in the form of a 0 million extension signed in April and the Ravens coming off an NFL-best 13-4 record with an appearance in the AFC championship game, there is far less drama swirling around the team this time around. Still, there was plenty to discuss, most notably an offense that figures to be revamped again with the splash free agent addition of four-time Pro Bowl running back and two-time NFL rushing leader Derrick Henry, an offensive line that will feature three new starters, several players lost to free agency and multiple coaching changes.
Harbaugh stated that the appearance will be altered, without a doubt. He emphasized the importance of continuously making changes and avoiding stagnation.
After this point, the situation becomes unclear as Tylan Wallace and Sean Ryan are the only other receivers currently listed on the team, although both Michael Gallup and Josh Reynolds were recently evaluated as potential options by the Baltimore Ravens. Additionally, the draft is always an option. Jackson also has his own list of desired additions.