Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter speaks on the type of role he expects from superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter has a clear vision when it comes to superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson.
In a recent appearance on "The Rich Eisen Show," Minter detailed the type of usage he expects from Jackson this upcoming season.
"I don't know that he needs to run more," Minter said. "I actually think there's times where he can run less if you build an offense that takes advantage of the under center, the downhill run game. Now that opens up a lot of boots and play actions. ... I think there's high-leverage moments where the quarterback's willing to do what he needs to do to win the game ... This is a franchise player. There's a health element and a protection element that needs to be in place to where he's not taking some of the hits he doesn't need to."
While Minter is a defensive-minded coach, it's clear he's done his homework when it comes to the two-time NFL MVP.
Few players in the NFL are as dynamic as Jackson. Now, under Minter’s direction, the focus shifts to refining his game and unlocking yet another tier of performance.
Minter has a clear plan for what he wants to see from Jackson, and he shared part of that plan when he was initially hired for the job in late January.
"You want to build an offense that allows him to be Lamar but also at the same time utilizes all the weapons that the offense has," Minter said.
"You don't want him to have to be Superman every time the ball is snapped. I think you want to create a system that allows him to really get in the rhythm of games, have some plays where he can hand the ball off, take the pressure off him, have play action, have movements. And then when it's crunch time, know that he has the ability to be really special."
On top of that, the 42-year-old head coach shared the rapport he has with Jackson shortly after officially being named head coach of the Ravens.
"It's really special. I've had some great talks with Lamar. Really look forward to continuing to build a great relationship with him," Minter said.
"He is the best player in the National Football League. It's been proven. He's won the awards that show that. It's our job to continue to help him grow and help him build. To have that guy behind center, you know you have a chance to win every time you take the field. I just can't wait to go to work with him, create a partnership with him, and build a team around him that help us achieve our ultimate goal."
Jackson, 29, has yet to play in a Super Bowl, and Minter will do all he can to ensure that happens.