There are several areas for Lamar Jackson to improve, not all of them tangible, according to Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh.
While appearing on the "Adam Jones Podcast," Harbaugh was asked about Jackson, already a two-time MVP, can get better at 27 years old.
"From a pure football standpoint, there's always room for growth," Harbaugh said.
Harbaugh said that it's key for Jackson to have a "growth mindset" and always find areas to improve, both on and off the field.
"And so what we're trying to do with the offense, within the offense, to operate it, throws that he can make, reactions he can make, uncovering a defense, all those types of things that go with playing quarterback. He'll say 'all of it,' that's probably what his answer would be. And you know what, that's exactly right. He's got so much growth in all of it.
"And then the ability to carry a team. You carry a team on Sunday, but you also carry a team into Sunday. Carry a team throughout the course of a season, through all of the highs and lows. That's another level that he's definitely growing into."
Harbaugh said that Jackson, entering his seventh season in the NFL, is largely the same person he's always been, but is more mature and "scarred" — in a good way.
"We all go through the stuff — you get scarred, right?" Harbaugh said. "That's a good thing. It's a tough thing, but a good thing, because scars heal and make you stronger. And [Lamar's] definitely got that. He's just, he's six years into this thing. That experience part of it is a massive factor. With that comes kind of a practicality, an understanding that goes with it. And yet, five years from now he'll even more weathered in that way, just like we all will be."
The 2024 season is quietly a big one for the Ravens. It might not be the type of all-in Super Bowl chase that typically puts huge pressure on an organization, but Jackson is already a two-time MVP, and the Ravens are coming off an AFC Championship. There will be some pressure to go further or at least grow in the right areas. For Jackson that'll be in the playoffs, where his record hasn't been as strong.
Jackson has already showed some change physically, showing up to OTAs about 25 lb lighter. The right combination of improvement as a quarterback and leader could help the Ravens go further.
