Every season, it feels like Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is bound to reach another level. For the most part, he’s gotten better and better each year.
In 2026, it shouldn’t be difficult to outdo his 2025 campaign. He dealt with inconsistent coaching, awful pass protection, and most notably, injuries. The team seems to have improved in every regard, and Jackson is poised to turn it up another notch.
The biggest catalyst for that? Quite possibly offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. Doyle has been working with Jackson relentlessly as they approach the regular season, and he’s ready to install an offense that maximizes Jackson’s strengths.
However, there’s been one notable alteration to Jackson’s game this offseason. His footwork. And it could spark a jump in Jackson’s play as a passer.
Baltimore Ravens are putting Lamar Jackson in position to reach new heights in 2026
NFL players always have something to improve upon. It doesn’t matter how good you are. Two-time MVP or not, Lamar Jackson has a chance to reach new heights under Declan Doyle.
Footwork is huge. It’s almost like the starting point for every quarterback’s dropback. And Jackson knows the shift could pay off big this year.
He recently spoke about where exactly his new footwork could help him in 2026.
“It’s helping with the progression. I’m not standing on my back foot too long,” Jackson said. “The footwork fits the system…If you’re on one route for too long, your footwork will tell you. That’s how the footwork adjustment really helps.”
It’s pretty noticeable, too.
As the Ravens start joint practices vs. the Vikings, all eyes will be on Lamar Jackson and the new offense.
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) August 19, 2026
But don't overlook the new footwork, either.
Under Declan Doyle and QBs coach Israel Woolfork, all the details matter. ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/siOqFycfzw
Obviously those are just light practice reps, but things look cleaner, more deliberate, and smoother. The flow of everything seems more controlled.
Most importantly, the rhythm of everything should find a boost. As Jackson mentioned, the footwork can guide a quarterback through their progressions. The more natural dropback can help him nail down the timing to a T, keeping his feet in sync from route to route.
In turn, that might also lead to more yards after catch. In 2025, the Ravens finished with 4.9 YAC per completion, which ranked tied for 21st in the NFL. They weren’t too far behind the top half of the league, but it’s still an area to improve nonetheless.
Delivering more balls in stride could help Baltimore’s passing attack reach a lethal territory.
With Doyle also expected to implement more play actions, Jackson’s feet become even more critical. The adjustment can create a sense of balance and keep things on beat amid the chaos play fakes can bring. Not that the 29-year-old needs help in that category—he’s already elite on play action plays.
Overall, along with Declan Doyle’s offense hoping to be more explosive, things are more intentional, detailed, and fluid. Lamar Jackson already has two MVPs to his name, but with a young mind like Doyle leading the charge, he could somehow get even better. It starts with the footwork.
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