Lamar Jackson admits his biggest flaw is occasional inconsistency with deep passes, affecting his ability to fully stretch defenses and maximize offense.
Lamar Jackson, the electrifying quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, has long been celebrated for his remarkable athleticism, exceptional rushing ability, and dynamic playmaking skills. Since bursting onto the NFL scene, he has redefined the quarterback position with his unique dual-threat capabilities, combining speed, agility, and arm talent in a way few players in the league have matched. Yet, despite his many strengths, Jackson recently opened up about the one flaw he believes still holds him back: occasional inconsistency in his deep passing game.
This admission is both revealing and significant. Jackson’s honesty highlights the challenges even elite athletes face as they seek to evolve and improve. It also underscores the critical role that a quarterback’s deep-ball accuracy plays in modern NFL offenses. In this article, we will dive into what this flaw means for Jackson, how it affects the Ravens’ offensive scheme, and what it might signal for his future development as one of the league’s premier quarterbacks.
The Evolution of Lamar Jackson’s Game
Lamar Jackson’s journey to NFL stardom has been nothing short of extraordinary. Drafted 32nd overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, he was initially seen as a running quarterback — a player whose primary weapon was his legs rather than his arm. However, over the past several seasons, Jackson has steadily improved his passing mechanics, decision-making, and pocket presence.
His 2019 MVP season demonstrated his ability to lead the offense with both his arm and legs, throwing for over 3,000 yards and rushing for more than 1,200 yards. This balance kept defenses off-balance and showcased his multifaceted skill set. However, many analysts and defenders have noted that while Jackson’s short and intermediate throws are typically effective and accurate, his deep-ball accuracy can be inconsistent.
What Does “Inconsistency with Deep Passes” Mean?
Deep passes—throws generally over 20 yards downfield—are among the most difficult plays for a quarterback. These passes require precise timing, touch, and strong arm strength. When executed well, deep passes stretch the defense vertically, opening up the entire field and creating explosive scoring opportunities. When executed poorly, they can lead to incompletions or, worse, interceptions.
Jackson’s admission about his deep-ball inconsistency suggests that, despite his talent, he sometimes struggles to consistently place the ball where only his receiver can catch it on those longer throws. This might involve slightly under- or over-throwing the receiver, missing the perfect trajectory, or throwing into tight coverage. Such errors can disrupt the flow of the offense and limit the Ravens’ ability to keep defenses honest.
How Deep-Ball Inconsistency Affects the Ravens’ Offense
The Baltimore Ravens have built their offense around Jackson’s unique talents. They frequently use read-option plays, quarterback draws, and designed runs that leverage his exceptional rushing ability. However, an effective passing game remains essential to balance the offense and prevent defenses from stacking the box to stop the run.
When Jackson struggles with deep passes, defenses can afford to be more aggressive against the run. They don’t need to worry as much about safeties playing deep to prevent big plays, which allows linebackers and defensive linemen to focus on stopping the quarterback on designed runs or scrambles.
This situation can limit the Ravens’ offensive versatility and scoring potential. It also means Jackson’s incredible rushing ability, while a weapon, can become somewhat predictable. Without a consistent deep threat to keep defenses honest, the Ravens may struggle to open up the field and take advantage of their full arsenal of offensive weapons.
Challenges Behind the Deep-Pass Struggles
Several factors may contribute to Jackson’s occasional deep-pass inconsistency:
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Mechanics and Release: Deep throws require perfect synchronization between footwork, arm angle, and release timing. Jackson’s quickness and improvisational style sometimes lead to off-balance throws, affecting accuracy.
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Timing and Chemistry: Deep routes often depend on precise timing between the quarterback and receiver. If a receiver is slightly off in their route or if Jackson has to scramble or alter his throw, the timing can be disrupted.
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Pressure and Coverage: Defenses blitzing or applying pressure can force Jackson to rush his throws, increasing the likelihood of inaccurate deep passes.
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Field Vision: Reading defensive coverages quickly is critical for deep throws. Jackson’s style sometimes prioritizes mobility and improvisation, which might impact his ability to fully scan the field for open deep targets.
Steps Lamar Jackson and the Ravens Are Taking to Improve
Jackson’s openness about this flaw signals his commitment to growth. Coaches and teammates have emphasized his relentless work ethic and desire to become a more complete quarterback.
Some of the key areas of focus include:
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Film Study and Mental Reps: Jackson dedicates significant time analyzing defensive coverages and studying successful deep throws to improve decision-making.
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Refining Mechanics: Working closely with quarterbacks coaches, he is honing his footwork, release, and throwing motion to achieve more consistent deep-ball accuracy.
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Building Chemistry: Practicing timing routes with receivers helps develop the synchronization needed for successful deep passes.
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Mental Poise: Improving pocket presence and composure under pressure enables Jackson to buy more time for his deep throws.
Why This Flaw Doesn’t Define Lamar Jackson’s Potential
While deep-pass accuracy is important, it’s only one aspect of Jackson’s multifaceted game. His elite rushing ability alone forces defenses to game-plan differently. His quickness and creativity often create opportunities where none seem to exist. Moreover, his leadership and resilience are intangibles that elevate the Ravens on any given Sunday.
Jackson’s continued improvement in the passing game, combined with his unique skill set, could see him become one of the most dynamic and complete quarterbacks in the NFL. Many elite quarterbacks have had to work on their deep-ball consistency at some point—Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, and Patrick Mahomes included.
The Broader NFL Context: Why Deep Passes Matter More Than Ever
In today’s NFL, the passing game is increasingly critical, and teams look to maximize explosive plays. Quarterbacks who can consistently hit deep throws keep defenses stretched, creating easier completions underneath and opening up the run game. Jackson’s ability to develop into a more consistent deep passer could elevate the Ravens from a strong team to a perennial championship contender.
Lamar Jackson’s candid admission of his deep-pass inconsistency reveals a maturity and willingness to confront weaknesses head-on. While this flaw can limit the Ravens’ offensive versatility, it also represents an opportunity for growth and refinement.
By continuing to improve his mechanics, timing, and mental approach, Jackson can unlock even greater potential in his game. His unique athletic talents combined with improved passing precision could solidify his legacy as one of the NFL’s all-time great quarterbacks.
Jackson’s journey reminds fans and players alike that even the best must always strive to improve — and that the path to greatness is paved with self-awareness and hard work.
