Lamar Jackson Says This Year's Team Is the Best He's Been On
Lamar Jackson has been on some stout teams through the years, but none quite stack up to this year's Ravens squad in his mind.
Speaking with NFL Network's Steve Wyche and Brian Baldinger after Monday's practice, Jackson was asked if this is the best team he's ever been on. He didn't shy away from answering.
"To be honest, yeah," Jackson said. "Just going off of the experience that I have, the experience that we got coming back, yeah, I'd say so."
With a loaded roster filled with All-Pros and Pro Bowlers, there's no question whether or not the Ravens have the talent to reach the Super Bowl. It's just about putting it all together, and Jackson and the veterans have remained focused on progressing each day in camp.
After back-to-back seasons that ended a few wins away from the ultimate goal, Jackson has said the team is entering the year with vengeance.
"We [have] a chip on our shoulder, and knowing what we have coming back, all of these guys, not knowing if we can have these guys next year, we got to take advantage of what we have right now," Jackson said.
On a side note, Pro Football Focus' Dalton Wasserman believes Jackson has already cemented himself as a signal-caller without any holes in his game.
"There's really not a whole lot left to say about Lamar Jackson until we get into the season, but the reason the Ravens can win the division and maybe have a chance to win the Super Bowl is because they have No. 8 as their quarterback," Wasserman said.
"He's not going anywhere, and he's still the most dynamic, dual-threat quarterback in the game. Over the last two years with [Offensive Coordinator] Todd Monken, he's gotten even better as a pocket passer. There's really no weakness to his game at this point."
Kyle Van Noy Believes Mike Green 'Has a Bright Future'
Rookie outside linebacker Mike Green was one of the standouts during the Ravens' first padded practice Monday, and media members weren't the only ones taking notice.
Kyle Van Noy spoke with Baldinger and Tom Pelissero after practice and said he's liked what he saw from the rookie.
"He's going to be really good," Van Noy said. "You can see the quick twitch, you can see the skills. These kids that are coming into the NFL, the skills that they have at the pass-rush technique, their technique is already really, really high level. Now, it's just getting the execution with the elite tackles. The tackles in college are going to be way better than the NFL; they're really good at their craft. So, you can see he has a bright future."
Malaki Starks and Nate Wiggins Are the League's Next Elite Duo
Green isn't the only defensive rookie the Ravens have high hopes for.
Safety Malaki Starks is expected to play a big role in his first season, lining up next to All-Pro Kyle Hamilton as one of five first-round picks in the Ravens' secondary.
As Starks progresses in training camp, Ebony Bird's Connor Burke believes he and second-year cornerback Nate Wiggins — another first-round pick — are on the cusp of becoming the league’s next elite duo.
"Wiggins and Starks may be on the rise, but the duo may already be two fearsome defensive backs," Burke said. "Wiggins had an outstanding end to his rookie campaign, using his athleticism and competitiveness at the catch point to lock down receivers. He has playmaking ability to take the ball away, and with his speed, he is always a threat to take it the other way for six points.
"For Starks, he has yet to take the field for an NFL game, but the information surrounding the rookie in offseason activities has been spectacular. Coaches have endlessly commended his efforts both on and off the field. He is showcasing intelligence and versatility, but is also already taking on a leadership role, an area that he is prioritizing in his rookie year."
Pundit Provides the Biggest Challenge for the Ravens
NFL.com's Jeffri Chadiha recently broke down the biggest challenge for each team as the league gets deeper into training camp and closer to Week 1.
Chadiha doesn't believe the Ravens have many questions surrounding their roster, but breaking in a new kicker is one of them.
"Now the Ravens are trying to assess whether sixth-round pick Tyler Loop or undrafted rookie John Hoyland can come close to being that reliable," Chadiha said. "There isn't much to criticize about the roster Baltimore has assembled. That also won't matter if the kicking game can't deliver in high-pressure situations."
Through five training camp practices, both Loop and Hoyland have been near-perfect. Loop made the first 23 field goals of camp, including a 63-yarder, while Hoyland has missed just two kicks thus far.
Quick hits
Yesterday's Most Read: Around the AFC North: Steelers Sign Another Former Ravens Defender
- Jackson was put on the NFL’s all-fun team by CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin.
