Jets defensive coordinator Gregg Williams believes Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson might learn to be more of a passer and less of a runner after he takes more hits in his career.
“It’s elementary at the starting parts of it and it took Michael [Vick] quite a few years to do that and then also as the hits pile up, the motivation that Michael had to make sure he learned more about doing that so his career would be longer, Lamar is going to go through that same thing,” Williams said. “It’s been remarkable on the minimal big hits that [Jackson] has taken, but when he starts taking those hits like a running back takes, it’s a tough business to be in, sometimes it motivates you to be even a better thrower.”
Williams’ unit will get its chance to deliver those big hits on Jackson on Thursday night in Baltimore. This is not Williams’ first game against Jackson. He was the Browns interim head coach last year in Week 17 when Cleveland faced Jackson and the Ravens. Jackson had 179 yards passing, 90 yards rushing and two rushing touchdowns in a 26-24 Baltimore win.
“This year, what I see is, again from a preparation process is that [Jackson] has taken a lot of different fundamental techniques that he needed to improve on and work very hard in the offseason,” Williams said. “He’s throwing the ball better and that’s a different skill set at this level. Guys in this level, when we say receivers have to be thrown open by a quarterback because you’re never really wide open unless you’re getting in the zone holes or zone defenses and stuff. He’s done a very good job with that and I think [offensive coordinator] Greg [Roman] has just done an outstanding job with how he’s fit all the pieces there, all the different people there with the personnel packages.”
Jackson was limited in practice on Tuesday with a quad injury, but told reporters in Baltimore that he feels “great” and he is playing … Gase said safety Jamal Adams (ankle) will be a game-time decision. Adams said he feels better but repeated his coach’s message about his playing status being a decision that will be made Thursday. … The Jets did not practice Tuesday. They had a walkthrough. If they had practiced, the following players would not have participated: Adams, TE Ryan Griffin (ankle), RB Bilal Powell (ankle, illness), OT Chuma Edoga (knee), WR Demaryius Thomas (hamstring/knee) CB Arthur Maulet (calf), CB Brian Poole (concussion) and DL Quinnen Williams (neck).
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