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Asked about the absence of Raven’s quarterback Lamar Jackson from OTAs, coach John Harbo told Jackson: “It’s up to him to talk about himself.”
He has. Something like.
In response to an excerpt from our recent discussion of the situation on PFT Live, during which Chris Sims said that if Jackson aspires to be Tom Brady of this generation, he should be there, Jackson said: “Lamar wants to be Lamar Chris. This part of the OTAs is voluntary, my man, I will be there, just not on your watch, probably other QBs are also not present at the voluntary OTAs, but since this is Lamar, this is a huge deal. Find something else to talk about. “
We discussed every initial quarterback who is absent from OTA. Some of them are absent for business reasons. Twice the ruling MVP, Aaron Rodgers, is absent for no reason. (Rodgers was called quite aggressively on Friday’s PFT Live for failing to help make the new-looking host corps cope.)
The problem with Jackson is not so much that he is not there, but more that this is only the last chapter of the mystery that Jackson either consciously or accidentally created. Stubbornly refusing to commit to a team that wants to make him one of the highest paid players in NFL history, Jackson confused many insiders and observers in the league. And if Jackson doesn’t commit to the team because he’s so dedicated to his craft, why not attend off-season training, during which much of the offensive book for next season is installed?
This is unconventional to an unprecedented level. The crows want to pay him. He won’t talk to him about it. In doing so, he readily accepts the risk that injury or inefficiency will make him less attractive to the Ravens or another team.
He insists he doesn’t want to go out. His actions suggest otherwise.
It’s great if you work with a personal mechanics coach. But these practices represent a handful of opportunities to deal with the offense, which will continue without Hollywood Brown in 2022, under the supervision and guidance of the coaching staff. Lamar can, frankly, do both.
Finally, as far as his request / request to “find something else to talk about” is concerned, we must respectfully reject his editorial board. Lamar is a former MVP. He is one of the most important players in the NFL. When he chooses not to train out of season, it’s newsworthy.
Chris’ comments about Jackson are fair criticism, not trolling. Fair criticism is part of being a high-ranking athlete in a high-profile sport.
Go with the territory. An area that will give Jackson hereditary wealth. If he just reaches out and catches him before the window closes, without warning.
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