(Owings Mills) Quarterback Lamar Jackson was off the field due to a virus, but head coach John Harbaugh made sure he was talked about after Sunday’s practice at team camp.
After the first summer practice with all the players, Harbaugh spoke for more than two minutes nonstop about Jackson and his future, making clear what the team’s hopes and expectations were.
“The vision that we have together is that Lamar Jackson will become and be recognized as the greatest quarterback in NFL history,” Harbaugh said. “That’s our vision. It’s going to happen because of Lamar, his work ethic and his incredible talent, because of all of us, together as a team, and by the grace of God and the good will of God. That’s the way it’s going to happen. And I believe it like it already is.”
Moments earlier, Harbaugh touched on a few key topics about the team heading into the 2024 season: its vision, expectations and the ability to meet and then raise expectations.
PHOTO NICK WASS, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh
The Ravens set the bar high with a dominant performance last season. Jackson won his second career MVP award. But the club lost in the American League championship game to the Kansas City Chiefs, whose quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, has a track record that puts him in the debate for the greatest quarterback in history.
Jackson still faces his share of criticism.
“I read all of that. I see the analysts say what they say on the broadcasts. I get at least clips of it because it pops up on my phone,” Harbaugh said. “There’s a lot of good things said about Lamar, but there’s a lot of things that have been said that you scratch your head about. You wonder, what are these people thinking? We take it personally.”
Lamar Jackson has had to answer these questions his whole life. As a kid, in high school, in college, in the draft. It always comes back.
John Harbaugh, head coach of the Baltimore Ravens
Harbaugh’s remarks appear to be both a defense of his team’s quarterback, but also perhaps an indication that the Ravens might need Jackson if they want to win a Super Bowl.
“He’s got a growth mindset. He’s going to get better and better, no doubt about it. We’re building our offense around Lamar Jackson.”
Harbaugh said Jackson became ill Saturday. The coach did not provide details on his return to the field.
The Ravens will play the first game of the new NFL season on September 5 in Kansas City.