According to a Baltimore Ravens insider, Lamar Jackson will be supported this season by a new backup quarterback.
The Baltimore Ravens are once again gearing up for another season of high expectations under the leadership of their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson. As one of the most electrifying and dynamic players in the NFL, Jackson has become the face of the Ravens’ offense and is widely regarded as one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league. However, as with all NFL teams, the backup quarterback position is one that is often overlooked until it’s needed the most. This year, the Ravens are making a notable change in this crucial area of their roster, with an insider revealing that Lamar Jackson will be supported this season by a new backup quarterback.
In the fast-paced, injury-riddled world of the NFL, having a reliable backup quarterback is essential, especially when you have a franchise player like Lamar Jackson. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs has made him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league, but the physical toll of running an offense that relies heavily on the quarterback’s mobility can make him vulnerable to injury. Therefore, the Ravens have decided to make a move to shore up their quarterback room and ensure that they have a capable backup who can step in if the need arises.
The Need for a Reliable Backup
The importance of a solid backup quarterback in the NFL cannot be overstated. Over the years, we’ve seen how pivotal a reliable second-string quarterback can be for teams hoping to make a deep playoff run. In the case of Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ offense is uniquely built around his athleticism, scrambling ability, and playmaking skills. However, Jackson’s playing style, while incredibly effective, also exposes him to more hits and injuries than traditional pocket passers.
For much of his career, Jackson has had varying levels of support behind him on the depth chart. While the Ravens have had competent backup quarterbacks, none have truly been able to fill Jackson’s shoes in the way that the Ravens would hope should Jackson miss any time due to injury or other reasons. Backup quarterbacks typically don’t get much attention unless they are thrust into action, but they play an indispensable role in the continuity and success of a team.
The Ravens’ quarterback room in recent seasons has featured names like Robert Griffin III, Trace McSorley, and Tyler Huntley, with Huntley being the most recent backup to Lamar Jackson. Huntley has had some experience in relief of Jackson, stepping in during the 2021 season when Jackson went down with an injury. However, despite his solid performances in some instances, the Ravens have long been in search of a backup quarterback who could provide both the competence to manage the offense and, ideally, a similar skill set to Jackson’s in case of an emergency. This season, according to insiders, the Ravens are looking to address that concern by bringing in a fresh face at the backup quarterback position.
Who Is the New Backup Quarterback?
While there has been some speculation surrounding the identity of the new backup quarterback for Lamar Jackson, insiders suggest that the Ravens are looking for someone who can not only provide solid backup support but also push the starting quarterback in practice, ultimately elevating the overall play of the position.
The new backup quarterback is expected to possess several key traits: experience in the NFL, the ability to run an offense effectively, and the athleticism to mirror Jackson’s style of play when called upon. Unlike traditional backups, the Ravens aren’t just looking for a pocket passer who can step in and manage the game; they are looking for someone who can run the ball, execute RPOs (run-pass options), and make plays on the move, just like Jackson.
The name that has surfaced in connection with the backup quarterback role is Tyler Huntley. Huntley, who served as Jackson’s primary backup last season, has received positive reviews for his performance in the limited action he has had. While Huntley isn’t quite on the same level as Jackson, his mobility and athleticism make him a logical choice to fill in if needed. His ability to run the offense in a similar manner to Jackson has been one of his greatest strengths, and that could provide the Ravens with more stability should Jackson need to miss time.
However, the key difference this year is that Huntley is expected to face more competition for the backup role than he has in previous seasons. Insiders have hinted that the Ravens are actively evaluating other quarterbacks in the offseason, potentially even looking to bring in a more experienced veteran who could serve as an upgrade over Huntley. A quarterback with a higher ceiling could provide the Ravens with better security and depth at the position, especially with the unpredictability that can come with Jackson’s style of play.
In addition to Huntley, the Ravens have reportedly been in talks with other quarterbacks around the league who could fit the mold of a mobile, athletic backup. A few names have been mentioned in the rumor mill, including quarterbacks with experience as starters or who have shown promise in backup roles with other teams. While no official decisions have been made yet, it seems that the Ravens are prioritizing finding a backup quarterback who can step in and execute their offense in a way that is similar to Jackson’s skill set, which is unique compared to most traditional NFL quarterbacks.
The Importance of Competition in the Quarterback Room
One of the key elements of the Ravens’ plan for the quarterback position this season is the addition of healthy competition in the room. Lamar Jackson is undoubtedly the team’s franchise quarterback, but competition is always a driving force in ensuring that a team’s backup players are always prepared to step into action when needed.
By bringing in a new face to back up Jackson, the Ravens are creating an environment in which all quarterbacks are pushed to be better. This internal competition could benefit not only the backup quarterbacks themselves but also Jackson, as it forces everyone in the room to stay sharp and focused. Jackson, despite being one of the most gifted quarterbacks in the league, understands the value of competition and has previously spoken about how important it is to have a strong, capable backup who can step in and run the offense when necessary.
Furthermore, healthy competition within the quarterback room could foster a sense of camaraderie among the quarterbacks and create a positive atmosphere that encourages continuous improvement. Jackson will benefit from having a backup quarterback who can challenge him during practice and push him to get better, while the backup will have the opportunity to learn from one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.
What Does This Mean for Lamar Jackson?
Lamar Jackson is entering the 2023 season with a lot of pressure on his shoulders. After signing a historic contract extension, Jackson is expected to lead the Ravens to a deep playoff run, especially after the team made significant changes in the offseason to improve its overall roster. However, as is often the case with any player in the NFL, injury is always a concern, particularly for a quarterback who uses his legs as much as Jackson does. With the addition of a new backup quarterback, the Ravens are attempting to mitigate the risks that come with Jackson’s playing style.
For Jackson, having a reliable backup means knowing that if something were to happen to him during the season, the team would be prepared to move forward without missing a beat. It gives him the peace of mind to focus on what he does best — leading the Ravens’ offense and making plays. Moreover, having a strong backup could also serve as a motivating factor for Jackson, pushing him to stay healthy and perform at the highest level possible throughout the season.
While Jackson has often proved resilient in the face of adversity, the Ravens are taking a proactive approach to ensure that the quarterback position remains stable, no matter what challenges arise. Whether it’s through injury or other factors, the Ravens are positioning themselves to be as successful as possible with the added security of a solid backup quarterback.
The Ravens’ Long-Term Vision for the Quarterback Position
The decision to bring in a new backup quarterback aligns with the Ravens’ long-term vision for the quarterback position. They understand that Lamar Jackson is the centerpiece of the team’s offense, but they also know that the NFL is a league that rewards teams with depth and stability at every position. While Jackson’s future with the Ravens seems secure, ensuring that the backup quarterback position is addressed is part of the Ravens’ strategy to remain competitive for years to come.
The NFL is a league where things can change rapidly. A strong backup quarterback can be the difference between a playoff berth and a lost season, and the Ravens are working hard to make sure they have a capable player ready to step in if needed. Whether it’s Huntley, a new acquisition, or another option, the backup quarterback position will remain a key area of focus for the Ravens as they look to maximize their chances of success with Lamar Jackson leading the way.
