We're less than four days from the Ravens' season opener, and Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo did not need much time to identify what his unit must stop when defending quarterback Lamar Jackson.
“Everything,” Anarumo said before laughing, according to James Boyd.
The answer was brief, but it accurately captured the challenge Indianapolis will face when they open their season Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium against the Baltimore Ravens.
“Anybody that’s probably headed to the Hall of Fame pretty quickly, there’s a reason why,” Anarumo said. “And Lamar can hurt you both ways.”
Jackson’s ability to dominate as a passer and runner has made him one of the NFL’s most difficult assignments. Defenses must account for his mobility on every
snap without creating favorable opportunities for Baltimore’s receivers.
Committing additional defenders to Jackson also creates problems elsewhere. Derrick Henry remains one of the NFL’s most physical running backs, while Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Mark Andrews and rookie Ja’Kobi Lane give Baltimore multiple options in the passing game.
That leaves Anarumo with difficult decisions. If Indianapolis loads the box, Jackson can attack favorable matchups through the air. If the Colts prioritize coverage, Jackson and Henry can stress a lighter defensive front. Pressure can disrupt the timing of Baltimore’s new offense, but undisciplined rush lanes could allow Jackson to escape the pocket and create explosive plays.
Jackson said Tuesday that he is 100% healthy and feels great physically. He has also expressed considerable enthusiasm for Declan Doyle’s offense, describing it as a “breath of fresh air” while praising its movement and potential for success.
Sunday will provide the first regular-season look at Doyle’s system and Jackson’s command of it.
Indianapolis has playmakers capable of creating problems, including DeForest Buckner, Laiatu Latu, Arden Key and Adetomiwa Adebawore. Anarumo must find a way to generate pressure while preventing Jackson from turning aggressive calls into explosive gains.
There is no simple formula for stopping a two-time NFL MVP. Anarumo understands that limiting Jackson will require the Colts to defend virtually everything Baltimore can throw at them.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Colts DC offers a blunt assessment of challenge Lamar Jackson poses
