The Baltimore Ravens have been stampeding through the AFC with a 10-2 record and an eight game win streak. They now rank first in the AFC.

This team is led by electric, second-year quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jackson has been playing phenomenal this season, posting huge numbers in both the pass and the run game. Through 10 games, he has accumulated 2,532 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and five interceptions. On the ground, he has compiled 977 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 7.0 yards per carry, which all lead the NFL for quarterbacks.
Jackson has given the Ravens new energy. Because of his unique playstyle, the whole offensive scheme has been changed in order for him to thrive. SO far, this is working, as he has lead them to their best start since their Superbowl winning season in 2012.

He was the 32nd overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, coming out of Louisville with 3,660 yards, 27 touchdowns, and a 146.6 quarterback rating in his junior year. MVP conversations have also been swirling around Jackson’s name. However, his quick rise to success wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for his head coach: John Harbaugh.

Harbaugh is a tough, old-school coach. He is also a smart offensive play-caller and knows how to use his players to full volume. With a lot of experience and Superbowl win under his belt, he was sure to create a star out of Jackson. His skills also came in handy when the 2018-2019 season was making a close.

Jackson’s rookie season was a huge transition for Harbaugh’s Ravens. After former starting quarterback Joe Flacco went down with an injury, it was time for Jackson to make his first appearance in an NFL uniform.

In his seven starts, he gave the Ravens a 6-1 record, which turned their 4-5 start to a 10-6 finish, and a playoff birth. Harbaugh saw the fire inside his rookie quarterback, and he knew that he could become something great with proper training.

Over the offseason, the whole team went to work. Flacco was traded to the Broncos in exchange for a fourth-round pick so that all of the time and attention could go to developing Jackson’s pass game.
Now that he was going to start, Harbaugh had to switch up the offensive playbook to match his style of play. Run-pass options, quarterback runs, trick plays, set-up passes, and deep passes were added to the playbook.

Jackson went under a lot of training to develop his pocket passing. He is making the jump from playing on a superstar filled college team, a mediocre NFL team that hasn’t made any noise in the playoffs for a few seasons.

Harbaugh also signed veteran quarterback Robert Griffin III in the offseason in order to help Jackson develop more and to have a backup in case he sustains an injury.

Under Harbaugh and former second overall pick Griffin III, Jackson had a lot added to his arsenal. Harbaugh began with making him a more precise pocket passer. Griffin, who was in the same position as Jackson in 2012, gave him tips and tricks that he had learned through his experiences.
He taught Jackson that he can’t run every play and that it’s okay to throw the ball away. He taught Jackson not to run as much or else he could sustain many injuries, as did Griffin in his first few seasons.

They succeeded in their efforts of creating a great player out of raw talent. Jackson emerged into the 2019 season high flying. Throwing for five touchdowns in his first game, two touchdowns in his second game, and 120 rushing yards. He is also most likely leading the Ravens to multiple playoff wins, and possibly an appearance in the AFC Championship.

Jackson is bound for a stellar career. His unique playstyle, a variety of different skills, and great mentors are going to take him far.

Sources Used:
http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/teams.nsf/histories/ravens
https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JackLa00.htm
https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3916387/lamar-jackson