The New Orleans Saints know that letting Lamar Jackson escape the pocket can turn a productive defensive snap into an explosive play. Saints defensive end Carl Granderson believes discipline will be central to New Orleans’ plan for containing the Baltimore Ravens quarterback Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium.
“We can't overthink it,” Granderson said, via the NOF Network. “We just gotta go into the game, keep him in the pocket and play our game.”
The approach is understandable, but keeping Jackson between the tackles does not eliminate the most dangerous parts of Baltimore’s offense. The two-time NFL MVP has become one of the league’s most efficient pocket passers and can punish defenses that get too focused on his running ability. Jackson completed 17
of 25 passes for 324 yards and one touchdown in Baltimore’s 41-23 victory over Indianapolis. He averaged 13 yards per attempt, avoided an interception, and threw for more yards than in any game during the 2025 season.
#Saints DE Carl Granderson on containing #Ravens QB Lamar Jackson:
— NOF (@nofnetwork) September 17, 2026
"We can't overthink it. We just gotta go into the game, keep him in the pocket and play our game." pic.twitter.com/0uLtFVBrdO
Jackson was also effective when offensive coordinator Declan Doyle placed him under center. He completed six of eight attempts for 114 yards from that alignment, including a 49-yard connection with Zay Flowers off a bootleg concept. His development as a passer predates Doyle’s arrival. Jackson threw for 4,172 yards, 41 touchdowns and only four interceptions during his 2024 All-Pro season. He finished with a 119.6 passer rating, showing defenses cannot simply concede the pocket and expect Baltimore’s passing game to become less efficient.
New Orleans must maintain rush-lane integrity because Jackson can still change the game as a runner. He converted a third-and-16 against Indianapolis by avoiding two defenders and scrambling for 16 yards. However, Granderson and the Saints cannot become passive while attempting to contain him. Jackson’s patience, accuracy, and improved command from the pocket make him just as capable of dissecting a defense without crossing the line of scrimmage.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Saints' plan to keep Lamar Jackson in the pocket presents a major gamble
