Regarding the issue of Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson’s absence from OTA, coach John Harbaugh said regarding Jackson, “It’s up to him to speak for himself. “
He has it. Somewhat.
Reply to an excerpt from our last discussion of the situation on PFT LiveAnd during this, Chris Sims made it clear that if Jackson aspires to be of this generation Tom Brady there must be, Jackson said this: “Lamar wants Lamar to be Kris. This part of the OTAs is voluntary, I’ll be there, not just on your watch, it’s possible that other QBs don’t attend the volunteer OTAs either but since it’s Lamar it’s a huge deal. Find something else to talk about.”
We have discussed every player initially absent from OTA. Some are absent for commercial reasons. twice best player, Aaron Rodgers, absent without reason. (Rodgers was called fairly aggressively on Friday PFT Live for not aiding efforts to gain speed for the new reception corps.)
With Jackson, the problem is less that he isn’t there and more that this is just the last chapter in obscurity Created by Jackson either on purpose or by mistake. Through his persistent refusal to get involved with a team that wants to make him one of the highest-paid players in NFL history, Jackson has confused many league insiders and watchers. And if Jackson isn’t dealing with the team because he’s so committed to his profession, why not introduce off-season practices during which a lot of the offensive game rules are installed for the upcoming season?
It is unconventional to an unprecedented degree. The crows want to pay him. He won’t talk to him about it. By doing so, he willingly accepts the risk that injury or ineffectiveness will make him less attractive to the Ravens or another team.
He insists he does not want to go out. His actions indicate otherwise.
It’s great to work with a personal mechanic trainer. But these practices represent a handful of opportunities to work with the offense, which will continue without Hollywood Brown in 2022, under the guidance and direction of the coaching staff. Lamar can, frankly, do both.
Finally, regarding his/her request that we “find something else to talk about” we must respectfully reject his editorial advice. Lamar is a former MVP. He is one of the hottest players in the NFL. When he chooses not to show up for an off-season practice, it’s worth posting.
The comments Chris made about Jackson are fair criticism, not trolling. Fair criticism is part of being an outstanding athlete in a high-profile sport.
It goes with the territory. The territory that will give the wealth of generations to Jackson. If he simply reached out and grabbed him before the window closed, without warning.
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