John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens’ HC concluded his team’s first training camp session on July 21 with a passionate defense of QB Lamar Jackson. After finishing the camp, the head coach had a candid discussion with the media, addressing the team’s schedule amid Jackson’s absence due to illness.

On July 23, 2024, the Baltimore Ravens uploaded Harbaugh’s press conference video on their official YouTube channel. The 5-minute 55-second video clip featured Harbaugh’s disclosure about the young defense.

During the press conference, when the 61-year-old NFL coach was asked about changes to the team schedule due to the absence of their starting QB, Jackson, he clarified that no changes had been made. “we don’t, you know, we just stay right on schedule, and he’ll merge in when he gets here, you know, and that’s what you do with anybody, really in that situation,” Harbaugh remarked.

His recent statement reiterated that Jackson’s illness had not affected the team’s schedule. Clearly, he is impartial towards Jackson, treating him like any other player. JH remarked that Lamar will join in when he comes back as he hasn’t changed the schedule for the Ravens.

Apart from that, during the candid media chat, Harbaugh also revealed certain strides he would like to see from the quarterbacks behind Jackson by the time the camp ends.

“Certainly. I mean, you know, you want your quarterbacks behind your starting quarterback to be prepared to play, you know, to be prepared to go in there and win for you, play starting quarterback-level football. You know, they’re not going to play like the starter; they’re going to play their way, but you want them to be ready to do that, have command of the offense, and be ready to win for you,” Harbaugh stated. This showcased his confidence in the players and their winning mindsets.

Previously, after the Ravens’ first full-squad practice of camp, Harbaugh addressed Jackson as an explosive player with unique skill sets, believing that Jackson would become the greatest quarterback in NFL history.

Harbaugh reaffirms faith in Lamar Jackson

Clearly, Harbaugh has major expectations for Jackson as the season approaches. During the previous season, Jackson led the team with the best records. At the start of the year, in February, the 27-year-old NFL quarterback was honored as the youngest two-time NFL MVP since the AFL merger.

Since 2018, he has achieved the second-best regular-season record in the league securing 58-19 (.753). He had led Baltimore toward the NFL’s top records in 2019 as well as 2023. Jackson has maintained his consistency becoming the best dual-threat QB in NFL history since his 2018 NFL draft. Running for more yards than any other QB in his first six seasons.

Last week, Harbaugh even told Jackson that becoming the best QB was his dream.  “The vision that we have together is that Lamar Jackson is going to become and be known and be recognized as the greatest quarterback ever to play in the history of the National Football League,” Harbaugh stated.

“That’s the vision. It’s going to happen by Lamar, his work ethic, and his brilliant talent, by all of us pouring into that effort, together as a team, by teamwork, and by the grace of God and God’s goodwill. That’s how it’s going to happen. And I believe it like we’ve already seen it.” Harbaugh thus underscored his consistent faith in Jackson’s potential.