Title: Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson Ditches Wristband to Aid Communication
Introduction
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has made a significant change in his training camp routine. For the first time in his six-year NFL career, Jackson is no longer wearing a wristband with all the Ravens’ offensive plays written on it. This decision was made by Todd Monken, the team’s new offensive coordinator, who believes that clear communication is crucial for success on the field. In this article, we will explore the reasoning behind this change and its potential impact on the Ravens’ offense.
A New Approach to Communication
Todd Monken, who joined the Ravens after calling plays for two-time national champion Georgia, emphasized the importance of effective communication in the team’s offensive strategy. He believes that relying on wristbands can hinder the quarterback’s ability to communicate and process calls in real-time. By removing the wristband, Monken aims to improve Jackson’s ability to hear, process, and relay the plays to his teammates while maintaining a consistent cadence.
Expanding Offensive Capabilities
Jackson’s decision to ditch the wristband is part of a broader offensive overhaul under Monken’s guidance. The new offense aims to give Jackson more opportunities to throw the ball and greater freedom to change plays at the line of scrimmage. This shift aligns with Jackson’s desire to showcase his passing abilities and take on a more dynamic role in leading the Ravens’ offense.
Learning the Offense
Monken emphasizes that learning the offense and being able to process and make calls without relying on a wristband is a challenging but essential aspect of quarterbacking. While wristbands provide an easy reference, they limit a quarterback’s ability to fully grasp the intricacies of the playbook. By removing this crutch, Monken aims to enhance Jackson’s understanding of the offense and his ability to make quick decisions on the field.
Jackson’s Perspective
Jackson acknowledges that the decision to go without a wristband is not set in stone. He states that it is a temporary measure at the beginning of training camp and may change as the playbook expands. This flexibility allows for adjustments based on the team’s progress and the evolving demands of the offense.
The Impact on the Ravens’ Offense
The Ravens’ decision to hire Monken as their offensive coordinator reflects their commitment to revitalizing their once-dominant offense. Over the past four seasons, the team’s scoring has steadily declined, dropping from an NFL-best 33.2 points per game in 2019 to 20.6 points per game in 2022, ranking 19th in the league. By implementing a new offensive approach and focusing on improved communication, the Ravens hope to reverse this trend and regain their offensive prowess.
Conclusion
Lamar Jackson’s decision to ditch the wristband with the Ravens’ offensive plays marks a significant change in his training camp routine. Under the guidance of offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Jackson aims to enhance his communication skills and deepen his understanding of the team’s playbook. This shift aligns with the Ravens’ broader offensive overhaul, which seeks to unleash Jackson’s passing abilities and provide him with greater freedom to make decisions on the field. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how this change impacts the Ravens’ offense and whether it contributes to their goal of reclaiming their position as one of the league’s most potent scoring teams.