Lamar Jackson has spent nearly a decade keeping defensive coordinators up at night. If he plays for another ten years, he'll do so for another decade. Now, Jesse Minter wants the Baltimore Ravens' franchise quarterback to think like one, and maybe even add to his knowledge of this great game.
One of the more intriguing developments to emerge from training camp has nothing to do with a new formation or play design. Instead, it's a different way of preparing arguably the NFL's most dynamic quarterback.
Coach Minter has spoken with the media several times recently. During one particular conversation, one that came on the same day his team threw on pads for the first time this summer, he revealed that he has begun sitting down with Jackson to study
offenses through the perspective of a defensive coach. His goal was to offer insight into how coverages are disguised, why defenses present certain looks, and what they're trying to accomplish before the ball is snapped.
"I just look at ways to impact our offense and impact our players. I do think being able to look at how we play defense… Maybe [I'm] able to give a little bit of insight into how they are trying to make certain things look the same, but maybe what could help him."
Jesse Minter offers a different perspective for one of football's brightest QBs
Minter spent years building some of football's top defenses before arriving in Baltimore, and he believes that experience can become another resource for Jackson. Rather than simply teaching the Ravens' offense, he's trying to help his quarterback recognize what opposing coordinators are attempting to disguise.
"It's no different than maybe giving Zay [Flowers] some tips going against certain types of press corners. I'm all in just trying to help Lamar be the best version of himself."
Flowers' new extension gives Jackson long-term assurance that one of his top targets will remain in the fold for a few more years, so it's no surprise he immediately embraced the idea. According to Minter, the conversations already begin on the practice field and will likely become even more valuable once Baltimore starts preparing for specific opponents during the regular season.
The approach also speaks to a larger philosophy that has surfaced throughout Minter's first training camp. Whether discussing offensive linemen, receivers, or defensive backs, the new head coach has consistently emphasized teaching players to understand why football works rather than simply memorizing assignments.
Jackson already possesses the physical gifts that have made him a two-time NFL MVP. Minter's goal isn't to reinvent one of the league's premier quarterbacks. It's to sharpen the mental side of his game even further by helping him anticipate what defenses are trying to accomplish before they can do it.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Jesse Minter reveals unique approach to helping Lamar Jackson improve
