Baltimore Ravens News: John Harbaugh Details Clear Plan for How Lamar Jackson Can Elevate Game and Lead Team in 2025.
The Baltimore Ravens head into the 2025 NFL season with championship aspirations—and once again, the engine behind those dreams is quarterback Lamar Jackson. After an MVP-caliber 2024 season that saw Jackson carry the Ravens to the AFC Championship Game, expectations are even higher in Baltimore. Head coach John Harbaugh made it clear in a recent press conference: while Lamar Jackson has already reached remarkable heights, there’s another level to unlock.
“Lamar’s a special player,” Harbaugh said. “But like any great competitor, he knows there’s still room to get better. And we’ve got a plan for that.”
In a candid and in-depth media session at training camp, Harbaugh outlined the specific areas where Jackson can continue to evolve—and how those improvements could be the difference between falling short and finally hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
Here’s a breakdown of Harbaugh’s comments, Jackson’s offseason work, and why 2025 could be the most defining season of Lamar’s already storied career.
Accuracy, Footwork, and Mechanics: Harbaugh’s First Focus
Harbaugh wasted no time addressing the fundamental areas of Jackson’s passing game that still have room for refinement.
“We’ve talked a lot about footwork and timing,” Harbaugh said. “When Lamar’s feet are set, when he’s in rhythm, he can make every throw in the book. It’s just about consistency—getting those mechanics tight every snap, not just in the big moments.”
Despite throwing for 3,945 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2024, Jackson’s completion percentage dipped slightly to 64.2%, in part due to misfires on short-to-intermediate routes. Harbaugh believes sharpening the fundamentals will help eliminate those occasional misses and make the Ravens offense more efficient, especially on third downs.
“Lamar’s always working. This offseason he spent time with private QB coaches, and you’re seeing it already—the ball’s coming out cleaner,” Harbaugh said.
Pre-Snap Mastery: Taking Control of the Line of Scrimmage
Another major area of focus this offseason has been Lamar’s pre-snap command and defensive recognition. While Jackson has always had an elite football IQ, Harbaugh wants him to take even more ownership at the line of scrimmage—adjusting protections, diagnosing blitzes, and identifying mismatches.
“Lamar’s in complete control out there. That’s what you want from your quarterback,” Harbaugh said. “But we’re giving him even more freedom. We trust his vision. He’s earned that.”
New offensive coordinator Tee Martin, promoted from quarterbacks coach after Todd Monken’s departure, has worked closely with Jackson to install more flexible packages that allow him to audible and shift formations based on defensive alignments.
“We’ve built the playbook around Lamar’s strengths,” Martin said. “And that includes his brain. People don’t talk enough about how smart he is.”
Building Chemistry with New Weapons
The Ravens bolstered their offensive arsenal this offseason by signing veteran wideout Courtland Sutton and drafting explosive slot receiver Tre Harris out of Ole Miss. With Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers returning, and tight end Mark Andrews fully healthy, Jackson will have more weapons at his disposal than ever before.
But building chemistry takes time—and that’s where Lamar has gone the extra mile.
“He organized throwing sessions in Florida, in California, and even back in Baltimore,” said Bateman. “We’ve all been grinding since April. The timing is better, the trust is there.”
Harbaugh believes that timing and trust will unlock even more explosive plays in 2025.
“Lamar’s already a threat with his legs. But when he’s hitting guys in stride, that’s when defenses have no answers.”
Leadership Evolution: Lamar the Vocal Captain
In addition to his on-field development, Harbaugh pointed to Lamar’s continued growth as a leader. Long known for his calm demeanor and quiet confidence, Jackson is becoming more vocal in the locker room and on the practice field.
“He’s not just leading by example anymore,” Harbaugh said. “He’s talking to young guys, holding teammates accountable, and setting the standard. He knows this is his team.”
Defensive captain Roquan Smith echoed that sentiment.
“You see Lamar holding film sessions, getting on guys in walkthroughs, hyping up the defense. That’s championship stuff right there.”
Handling Pressure and Protecting Himself
One of the ongoing conversations around Jackson has always been about longevity and durability. While he played all 17 games last season for the first time since 2020, Harbaugh wants to ensure that Jackson continues to evolve in terms of self-preservation.
“We’re coaching him to slide more, to get rid of the ball quicker, and to trust his checkdowns,” Harbaugh explained. “He’s such a competitor—he always wants the extra yard—but sometimes the smartest play is a safe one.”
This message isn’t about limiting Jackson’s dynamic playstyle, but rather preserving it for the moments that matter most.
A More Balanced Attack in 2025?
With Jackson improving as a pocket passer and the Ravens possessing one of the NFL’s deepest receiver rooms, Harbaugh hinted at a more balanced offense in 2025. That doesn’t mean abandoning the run game—especially with Derrick Henry in the backfield—but rather using it more strategically.
“We’re not going to ask Lamar to carry it 15 times a game,” Harbaugh said. “But we’re going to make defenses respect every part of the field.”
That shift will require Lamar to be surgical as a passer and precise in reading defenses—skills that Harbaugh says he’s already seen growth in this offseason.
What Harbaugh Wants Most: Finish the Job
Harbaugh made it clear: the Ravens have been knocking on the door for years. Now it’s time to break through.
“We’ve been to the playoffs, sponsored MVPs, set records,” he said. “But the one thing we haven’t done is win it all. Lamar wants that. We all do.”
According to Harbaugh, the hunger in the locker room is palpable. And Jackson’s commitment—both mentally and physically—is setting the tone.
“He’s on a mission,” Harbaugh said. “And when your quarterback is wired like that, the whole team follows.”
At just 28 years old, Lamar Jackson is already a two-time MVP, a former unanimous winner, and the most dynamic dual-threat quarterback the league has seen in decades. But in 2025, the stakes are higher than ever.
He has the weapons. He has the coaching. He has the leadership voice and the trust of the locker room. Now, he’s refining the smaller details—mechanics, timing, protection recognition—that could elevate him from elite to legendary.
John Harbaugh knows what’s possible. He sees it every day on the practice field.
“We’ve seen great. Now we want to see greatness on the biggest stage. And Lamar’s ready for that challenge.”
If the Ravens get the version of Lamar Jackson that Harbaugh envisions, the AFC—and maybe the entire NFL—should be on notice.
The journey starts now.
