Baltimore Ravens: 3 keys to winning the AFC North in 2019

The Baltimore Ravens are trying to defend their division crown. What are the keys to them achieving this?Lamar Jackson being a rounded play-maker

Lamar Jackson is the ultimate x-factor in the Baltimore Ravens 2019 season. Even the biggest Jackson fans have to admit that this is a project that can go in either direction. The Ravens have never had a player quite like Lamar Jackson. With Joe Flacco, they knew they could win with him if they put the right pieces around him. With Jackson they are trying something new. To the Ravens credit, they are going for it at full speed. They’ve added receivers, they added running backs and they even addressed the offensive line with Ben Powers. While much of their talent is unproven and young, on paper the Ravens have what it takes to help Jackson be successful.

Jackson has to take the next step as a passer. Jackson needs to silence all the haters that say he can’t throw or that running quarterbacks don’t last in the NFL. Jackson needs to cut out the fumbles, and he’s got to fix his throwing mechanics. Most importantly he has to improve in these areas without taking away from the strengths that make him such a dynamic quarterback. Jackson is the best dual threat quarterback to come out of the NFL Draft since Michael Vick. His play-making athleticism paves the way for him as a passer and it always will. He just has to hone in on the passing game.

Jackson needs to work on his accuracy, something that should improve with improved mechanics. Jackson has to be able to hit his new speedy targets so they can do some magic after the catch. On top of this Jackson needs to start believing in himself as a passer. With all the talk about Jackson’s passing deficiencies people have kind of missed the point. He needs to take more chances in the passing game and make the throws he hesitated to make as a rookie. He has the arm talent and now he has to believe in that.