Baltimore Ravens vs. Atlanta Falcons: 3 big things to think about
3. Jackson must keep making progress:
Jackson made progress as a passer in his last effort against the Raiders. He hit some deep passes down the field, and despite two interceptions, he played a solid game. Jackson just has to keep making progress. In his first game he leaned a little heavily on his legs. In his second game he tried to hard not to be a runner, at first. Jackson just has to be him. He’s proven that he’s a dual threat. He’s proven that he can throw. Now Jackson just needs to let it rip.
Jackson has shown incredible poise and confidence. There is a difference however, in playing with confidence and letting the game come to you as a player. Jackson needs to continue to get comfortable with the pace of the NFL game. Each week he is going to be a little sharper. Each week he is going to see a little more of the field, and take in a bit more of the nuance that the game has in store. It’s on the job training for Jackson. His ability to run makes it look easy, but the things he is mastering are anything but easy. When the game slows down a bit for Jackson, that’s when he will be truly dangerous.
Next. 5 optimistic predictions for 5 more games. dark
The Ravens now know what Jackson does well. They understand where his comfort zone is. They have to stick with that comfort zone. They have to play to Jackson’s strengths and ask Jackson to incrementally grow that comfort zone. This means a run heavy offense that gives Jackson a chance to shine as a dual threat quarterback, while asking him to protect himself the best he can. As long as Marty Mornhinweg doesn’t lose sight on the obvious formula that is working, Jackson should continue to make progress.