The Baltimore Ravens are using the extra time in their schedule to improve communication along the offensive line, especially with Jacoby Brissett taking over at quarterback. Center Cam Jurgens says the group needs more time together after changes at both quarterback and center.
One area that stood out to Jurgens was the exchange between the quarterback and center, along with issues handling the ball in wet conditions during the team's previous game. When asked how the offensive line can align the quarterback-center relationship with another change at quarterback, Jurgens acknowledged the group needs more repetitions.
"I mean, [I'm] just doing everything I can to check my box and make sure I'm on top of the points and getting us in the right direction.
And then just spending a little extra time with [Jacoby Brissett], getting those snaps. I feel like this last game we had too many balls on the ground [between the] QB-center exchange [and] tight end exchange. We just need to get more reps in that in practice, especially if it's a rain game. There's things that we can do. [We can] pour water on the ball and try to simulate that a little bit. But, yes, we can be better in that and spending more time before practice, after practice working with him."
A clean exchange is only the beginning of the quarterback-center relationship. Jurgens and Brissett also have to coordinate the protection calls, cadence, and adjustments that allow the rest of the line to react together. The extra repetitions Jurgens described give them time to establish those details before communicating them under game conditions, when a missed signal can disrupt a possession before the play develops.
Jurgens also believes the offensive line has made progress over the past couple of games, even though there are still areas that need improvement. When asked whether the group is starting to build continuity in the trenches, Jurgens pointed to better communication and execution on combination blocks.
"Yes, it's definitely getting better, but there's so many areas we can still improve on. I thought we did a much better job passing games off and hitting combo blocks together as a group, but [there's] still so much more we can improve on, and it's nice having this break and a little extra practice today, especially with a new quarterback, and [to] get more plays in during the week."
The Ravens also added Ryan Neuzil to the offensive line room, giving the team another experienced center. Jurgens welcomed the addition and believes having more players who can snap the football is a positive.
With Brissett getting more time to work with the offense, Baltimore has an opportunity to improve the communication and timing that will be important moving forward. The offensive line has shown some progress, but Jurgens knows the group still has plenty of work to do.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Cam Jurgens emphasizes extra reps with Ravens QB Jacoby Brissett
