The Baltimore Ravens have spent years building one of the NFL's most unique offenses around Lamar Jackson's skill set. This season, however, subtle adjustments could make the unit even more difficult to defend. As expected, Jackson has spent more time operating from under center during training camp, a noticeable shift from an offense that has frequently featured the pistol and shotgun formations.
The two-time NFL MVP isn't just comfortable with the change. He believes it can make the Ravens more unpredictable. Following a Ravens practice at Maryland's SECU Stadium, Jackson, Jesse Minter, and Malaki Starksspoke with media members afterward. Asked about his increased work under center, Jackson explained that the adjustment isn't necessarily foreign
to him.
"I am extremely comfortable with it. In youth football, I was under center. I haven't been consistently under center since youth football. We did it here and there in the past, but with this balanced type of offense, I feel like it will help us out a lot, identifying the defense, really keeping the defense on their toes."
Lamar Jackson sees multiple benefits.
Jackson's answer offered one of the clearest glimpses yet into how offensive coordinator Declan Doyle wants the Ravens to evolve. Operating from under center gives quarterbacks another opportunity to study defensive alignments before the snap while forcing opposing units to account for a wider variety of runs, play-action concepts and passing looks.
The added uncertainty can make it more difficult for opponents to anticipate what's coming. Jackson also pointed to another area where the Ravens hope to create an advantage. When asked about the offense's emphasis on cadence, he said the new terminology can help keep defenses off balance.
"It hasn't changed that much, you know, different terminology, but it does help us out on offense. It also keeps the defense on their toes as well... Free plays... Free yards... We need it all. We're trying to put points on the board."
Another layer for an already dangerous Ravens offense
Jackson has consistently shown he can thrive regardless of formation, but the Ravens appear intent on expanding their offensive toolbox rather than relying on what has worked in previous seasons. The change doesn't represent a departure from Jackson's strengths. Instead, it adds another layer to an offense that already stresses defenses with his mobility, arm talent and decision-making.
If the early days of training camp are any indication, the Ravens offense is excited about following Declan Doyle into the future. Jackson isn't viewing the under-center offense as an adjustment. He's viewing it as another opportunity to make one of the NFL's most dynamic offenses even more difficult to defend.
Training camp is where ideas are tested, but the regular season determines whether they were worth pursuing. Jackson has already bought into the Ravens' latest offensive wrinkle. The next step is proving that a subtle change in alignment can translate into a meaningful advantage once the games begin to count.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Lamar Jackson embraces Ravens’ increased work from under center
