Quarterbacks Coach Tee Martin has loved what he's seen from Lamar Jackson.
Even before Jackson returned to practice Monday, Martin saw the fire in Jackson's eyes with the regular season rapidly approaching.
"About two weeks ago, I just got the sense he was ready to play the first game," Martin said. "The way he came out for pre-practice, the way he was working in individual, I was like, 'This is mid-season Lamar.'
"At that moment for me, it's about keeping him sharp in the meetings, keeping him interested in the meetings, when he knows he's not going to play in the preseason. I have to do some magic tricks sometimes in meetings to keep his attention. But he supports the guys. He's always watching every snap of the preseason games when he doesn't really have to."
Entering his eighth season, Jackson has focused on the process during training camp, using each day to find ways he can improve. Jackson is a two-time MVP coming off his most complete season. Yet, Jackson's still only 28 years old, very much in his prime.
"It's about maturity and the progression of his career," Martin said. "He's a point where he's seen a lot. He's experienced a lot.
"He started training camp that way speaking with the team, in a private meeting where he spoke from his heart. And he's been leading that way every day. ... He has upped his game in a lot of areas. I'm really proud of that maturation. I give him all the credit. He is growing at his own pace and it's beautiful to see."
Chuck Pagano Has Never Seen a Better Secondary
Much has been said about the Ravens having five former first-round picks in their secondary – safeties Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks, and cornerbacks Marlin Humphrey, Jaire Alexander, and Nate Wiggins. They also signed veteran Chidobe Awuzie during the offseason, another proven player who will be part of the cornerback rotation.
Senior Defensive Assistant Chuck Pagano said the talent in Baltimore's secondary is undeniable.
"Thirty-seventh year in coaching, 19th in the National Football League, this is as good a group as I've been around," Pagano said. "[They have the] talent levels, but they don't miss on the football character of the guys that come in here – top to bottom."
Not only do the Ravens have established players in the secondary, but undrafted rookie defensive backs Reuben Lowery III and Keyon Martin have enjoyed outstanding camps. Pagano has been blown away by Martin's ability to play bigger than his size, listed at 5-foot-9, 170 pounds. Martin made a perfect read and jumped a route for a pick-six in the preseason finale against the Washington Commanders, a play that any veteran would be proud of.
"He's done it all preseason. He's so extinctive, he's so smart," Pagano said. "His football IQ is off the charts. You see him walk in the building, you're thinking, OK, he's working in IT or breaking tape for somebody. Surely, he can't be putting pads on and intercepting passes for touchdowns. At a buck-60, he'll say he' a buck-70, but he can't be. He's a tremendous player. He did a great job."
Pagano Looks Forward to Seeing Kyle Hamilton, Malaki Starks Tandem
When Pagano watches Hamilton's daily routine, it reminds him of the way Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed used to prepare. Like Reed, Hamilton spends long hours watching film and often knows what to expect before the ball is snapped. His combination of athletic ability and intelligence has helped Hamilton ascend quickly to star status.
"Guys like Kyle, guys like Ed, they pick up the defense so fast, they're not thinking about our [play] calls," Pagano said. "What he's doing is diagnosing the situations. He knows the down and distance, he knows the personnel group that's in the huddle. Kyle behind the scenes prepares as good as anybody. He watches a ton of film. He's got most every play kind of whittled down to one or two plays. It gives him a chance to make a play."
Starks, the Ravens' first-round pick, has become more familiar with Baltimore's defensive schemes as the summer has progressed.
"Now he's getting into 300-level courses and being able to play a lot faster, play situations better," Pagano said. "He's just a natural back there, really smart guy."
Cooper Rush Earns Praise for His First Ravens Training Camp
Cooper Rush never took his backup quarterback status for granted this summer. The veteran signed with the Ravens after eight years with the Dallas Cowboys and had to learn a new offense. However, he looked sharper as the summer progressed and had his best preseason performance against the Washington Commanders, leading two touchdown drives and going 5 for 5.
"Early on we addressed some things he wanted to get better at." Martin said. "His movement, moving within the pocket to extend plays. Accuracy in all areas of the field.
"He did a heck of a job with his body. Embracing our strength and conditioning program. The culture here, how we work and get after it. I think he was very consistent in everything- protections, running the offense, completions, moving the ball and scoring points. I think he understands the offense. I think he's ready to roll for the season."
