Lamar Jackson, Two-Time NFL MVP, Sets His Sights on Refining One Crucial Element to Elevate Ravens’ Championship Hopes
Lamar Jackson has made a career out of proving people wrong. Entering the league in 2018, there were questions about whether he could thrive as an NFL quarterback. Critics doubted his throwing mechanics, his ability to read defenses, and whether his game could translate to the professional level. But six seasons later, the Baltimore Ravens star has two NFL MVP awards to his name and is widely considered one of the most dangerous players in football. Still, for all his accomplishments and accolades, Jackson remains unsatisfied. As training camp approaches, the dual-threat quarterback is laser-focused on sharpening one critical area of his game: his deep-ball accuracy.
Jackson’s game has never lacked excitement. His electric speed, unmatched agility, and keen instincts make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Few quarterbacks in the history of the NFL have possessed the kind of dual-threat capability that Jackson brings to the table. Whether it’s escaping pressure to pick up crucial yards with his legs or making quick reads and decisions to deliver the ball on short and intermediate routes, he has the kind of versatility that defines modern football. But if there’s one part of his game that hasn’t fully caught up to the rest, it’s the deep passing game.
For Jackson, the desire to improve his deep ball isn’t just about personal development—it’s about team success. The Ravens have long been in the playoff mix since his arrival, but they haven’t been able to get over the hump. The team reached the AFC Championship Game in the 2023 season but fell short against the Kansas City Chiefs, the NFL’s modern dynasty. A lack of explosive downfield plays in that matchup raised concerns, and Jackson knows that stretching the field vertically could be the missing ingredient in Baltimore’s championship formula.
“I want to be the most complete quarterback in the league,” Jackson said during a recent interview. “That means being consistent with the deep ball. We hit some, but I want to hit more. I want to take advantage of every opportunity.”
Improving deep-ball accuracy isn’t just a matter of arm strength, something Jackson possesses in abundance. It involves timing, precision, and trust in his receivers. Over the last few seasons, the Ravens’ front office has worked to surround him with weapons that can win downfield. The addition of players like Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and veteran Nelson Agholor has created a more well-rounded receiving corps. Last year, Baltimore also signed Odell Beckham Jr. in hopes of giving Jackson a reliable vertical threat, though injuries limited his impact.
Now entering the 2025 season, Jackson is working closely with his coaching staff and receivers to take that next step. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken, known for his creative passing schemes, has emphasized deep shot opportunities in offseason practices. The idea is not just to throw deep more often, but to throw deep more effectively.
“It’s about connection,” Monken explained. “Lamar knows what he wants to do, and he’s putting in the work to get there. When you talk about elite quarterbacks, the difference is often just two or three plays per game. We’re working on making those plays count.”
Jackson’s commitment has been evident in his preparation. He’s spent time in the offseason working on footwork and release mechanics to better align his body on deep throws. He’s also watched hours of film, not only of his own performance but of other top-tier quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen—players who consistently deliver the ball with touch and accuracy deep down the field.
“I study them not to copy, but to understand,” Jackson said. “I want to see how they create windows, how they read leverage, and how they time their throws. There’s always something to learn.”
One of the biggest steps in this journey has been building stronger chemistry with his receivers. Deep balls require timing and trust, and that comes from repetition. Jackson and his receivers have reportedly been putting in extra work after regular practices, focusing specifically on go-routes, post-corners, and double moves that can generate big plays.
Zay Flowers, entering his second year in the league, believes the extra effort is already paying dividends. “We’re clicking,” Flowers said. “Lamar’s putting the ball where it needs to be. You can see he’s serious about this. He wants to be better, and he’s bringing us all along with him.”
The numbers from last season back up the need for improvement. While Jackson was highly efficient in short to intermediate throws, his completion percentage on passes of 20 yards or more ranked in the middle of the league. The Ravens were among the NFL’s best in time of possession and rushing yards, but their chunk-play rate in the passing game lagged behind. That gap could be the difference between a deep playoff run and a Super Bowl title.
But Jackson isn’t discouraged. He sees this as an opportunity, not a limitation. He points out that every offseason since entering the league, he’s improved a different part of his game. Early on, it was command of the huddle and playbook. Then it was pre-snap reads. Then pocket presence. Now, it’s the deep ball—and he’s approaching it with the same focus and determination that turned him into a two-time MVP.
“I’ve never felt like I was a finished product,” Jackson said. “Even now, with everything I’ve done, I still feel like I’m chasing something. I want to be better every year.”
That mentality has resonated with his teammates, who see a quarterback leading not just with his words, but with action. Veterans like Mark Andrews, the Pro Bowl tight end and Jackson’s longtime go-to target, say that this version of Jackson might be his best yet—not just physically, but mentally.
“He’s locked in,” Andrews said. “He’s always been talented, but now it’s different. He’s obsessed with getting better. He wants this team to win a Super Bowl, and he’s taking it personally.”
As the season approaches, expectations in Baltimore are sky-high. The defense remains elite, the offensive line solid, and the skill positions as deep as they’ve ever been. The only question is whether Jackson can turn that one area of inconsistency into a strength. If he can consistently hit deep shots and force defenses to cover every blade of grass, the Ravens offense becomes nearly impossible to stop.
For now, Jackson is embracing the grind. There are no shortcuts to becoming the most complete quarterback in football, and he knows it. The target on his back grows bigger with each accolade, but that’s never deterred him. In fact, it’s what fuels him.
“I know people are watching,” he said. “They’re waiting to see if I can take that next step. I like that. It pushes me. I’m not satisfied with what I’ve done. I want more.”
If Jackson’s work this offseason is any indication, “more” is exactly what the NFL should expect. He’s not just playing for stats or trophies anymore—he’s playing for legacy. And if he can elevate his deep passing to match the rest of his game, there’s little doubt that Lamar Jackson and the Ravens will be right in the thick of the Super Bowl conversation come January.
