When people discuss Lamar Jackson's impact on a football game, the conversation usually begins with his arm, his legs, or his ability to create something out of nothing. Declan Doyle sees another opportunity. TheBaltimore Ravens
' new offensive coordinator believes Jackson's cadence can become a weapon, one capable of creating free yards, free plays and more opportunities for an already explosive offense.It's an area the Ravens have emphasized throughout training camp. The process has included a few growing pains, but that's part of the deal at this time of year.
"We are trying to keep kind of the defense honest," Doyle recently said (via ESPN's Jamison Hensley). "There are times where cadence might provide an advantage to be able to try to create
a big play."
For Doyle, it isn't just about what happens after the snap. It's about influencing what happens before it.
The Ravens know there is room for improvement
The numbers suggest Baltimore has left opportunities on the field in recent years. Hensley also referenced in his ESPN feature that, according to ESPN Research, the Ravens have drawn opposing defenses offsides only 33 times since Jackson became the team's full-time starter in 2019. Only two teams have done it less often during that span. Those penalties produced just 48 free plays, tied for the fifth-fewest in the NFL.
For an offense led by one of football's most dangerous quarterbacks, one seemingly primed for a bounce-back season, that feels like an area worth exploring. Doyle certainly thinks so. He has spent training camp working on cadence variations, tempo changes, and pre-snap communication designed to prevent defenses from becoming comfortable.
The objective is simple. Force defenders to hesitate, guess wrong, or jump early.
Training camp mistakes may help Baltimore late in the season
As one might expect, the effort hasn't been flawless. During a recent practice, Baltimore's offense was flagged for eight false starts while experimenting with different cadences. Head coach Jesse Minter later described the session as a valuable lesson, noting that the Ravens are trying to develop something that can become a legitimate weapon rather than something that puts them behind the chains.
The mistakes were frustrating. They may also prove necessary. Developing a more sophisticated cadence requires timing, communication, and discipline. Like any new element of an offense, it often looks messy before it becomes effective. The Ravens appear willing to endure those growing pains now if it pays dividends later.
Another way to make Lamar Jackson even more dangerous
The fascinating part is that Jackson's physical gifts aren't changing. Everyone already knows what he can do as a runner and passer. Everyone knows Baltimore's championship hopes go how he goes. Defenses spend all week preparing for that challenge.
What Doyle is searching for are hidden advantages. He's hoping the Ravens can force the opposing defense to jump offsides. He's looking for a free shot downfield or a pass rusher forced to hesitate because he isn't certain when the ball will be snapped.
Those moments may seem small, but they can dramatically alter drives and games. Jackson has already proven he can punish defenses after the snap. Doyle's goal appears to be helping him gain an advantage before the play even begins. If the Ravens eventually master what they're working on this summer, Baltimore's offense may discover there has been untapped value in Jackson's cadence all along.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Declan Doyle sees untapped potential in Lamar Jackson's cadence
