The Baltimore Ravens expect wide receiver Zay Flowers to play a major role in their offense this season. His quarterback, Lamar Jackson, is already on record. During QB1's first interview at training camp, he went on record to predict "a record-breaking year."
As excited as that sounds, this train is just getting going. Ravens fans are enjoying expectations. The bandwagon is certain to add new passengers. During a recent conversation with reporters, the Pro Bowl receiver shifted the spotlight elsewhere.
Zay Flowers says Lamar Jackson continues to raise the standard.
Flowers couldn't say enough about quarterback Lamar Jackson's leadership, and he was equally enthusiastic when discussing rookie receiver Ja'Kobi Lane. While one has already established himself as one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks and the other
is just beginning his professional career, Flowers believes both are helping shape Baltimore's offense in different ways.
Rather than focusing on Jackson's arm talent or athletic ability, Flowers took a different approach. He pointed to the work the two have put in behind the scenes.
"I will say I took it to another level, definitely because you have to make an impression [with] new coaches [and a] new coaching staff. It's something new. The last system we were in, you can get used to something. Then when you get used to it, you can kind of find your ways around it and do things. But [in] this [system], I just want to make a good impression, be back in top-tier shape and put it on the field."
Flowers' comments reinforce a recurring theme throughout training camp. Jackson isn't simply learning a new offense. He's helping teammates master it alongside him. Whether through extra conversations, additional film study, or building chemistry outside scheduled practices, Baltimore's franchise quarterback continues to set the tone for the offense. For Flowers, that commitment makes Jackson as valuable off the field as he is on it.
Zay Flowers believes Ja'Kobi Lane has a bright future
Flowers was just as complimentary when the conversation turned to Lane. The six-foot-four, 200-pound rookie is already making his impression felt at practice.
"Oh, I love [Ja'Kobi Lane]. He works every day. He's willing to listen. He takes keys from everybody, and then he applies them. So, he is learning fast. He is learning fast, and he is keeping up with the tempo — so that is good to see."
Compliments from veterans during training camp are common, but Flowers' praise carried extra weight because it focused on Lane's approach rather than simply his physical talent. The rookie has already earned respect for the way he's attacked practices and embraced the challenge of learning Baltimore's offense.
That's often one of the quickest ways for young receivers to gain trust inside an NFL locker room. Lane still has plenty to prove before the regular season begins, but Flowers believes the rookie is on the right path. Jackson and Lane occupy very different stages of their careers.
One is the face of the franchise, while the other is trying to establish himself in the league. Yet Flowers' comments connected them through a common thread. That thread is preparation, and in Baltimore, that's becoming one of the defining traits of an offense intent on building something bigger than individual success.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Zay Flowers praises Lamar Jackson’s leadership and Ja’Kobi Lane’s growth
