Brandon Staley is all about shutting down false beliefs fans may have this year about the New Orleans Saints opponents. Last week, he made it clear the amount of respect coaches in the league have for Jared Goff. Ahead of the game against the Baltimore Ravens, Staley won’t let Lamar Jackson be put into the “just a runner” box.
It’s a narrative that is often spun about Jackson, but it couldn’t be farther from the truth. “He’s one of the top throwers at the position. He’s just so spectacular doing some of the other stuff that people minimize his ability to beat you from the pocket," Staley told reporters.
Jackson's ability to run is too game changing for it not to be at the front of everyone's mind, but his growth as a passer has killed the narrative of him being unable to win if you take his legs away. Staley discussed his arm strength and ability to carve up defenses at every level before pointing to Lamar's experience every type of defense being noticeable area of growth.
Pressure is Saints' priority number 1 vs Lamar Jackson, especially this week
The Ravens wide receiver room will be greatly depleted on Sunday. Ja’Kobi Lane is on injured reserve, and Zay Flowers has been ruled out for the game. That's going to make life much harder on Jackson through the air, but the Saints can't breathe a sigh of relief.
Without diving into the other options in the receiving game, Jackson's mobility also benefits the passing game. The Saints will have to get more pressure on him than they did with Goff last week. Staley detailed how physicality is key.
"I think you have to rush more physical. You don’t want to rush more cautious. You actually want to rush more physical, but you got to rush in a direct nature against the special players, because you don’t have much time to get there. You want to make sure he feels the pocket. Where if he feels air in the pocket, whether that’s outside or inside, then his instincts take over and he runs to day light, and that’s bad for you. You want the pocket to be tight."
Sometimes you'd think rushing cautiously to avoid a scramble would be the natural approach, but Staley explained that getting the pressure quick and disciplined is the true key. For as comfortable as Jackson is as a runner, he can also be extremely patient in the pocket if nothing is open downfield, and there's no pressure in his face.
It doesn't matter who is in the receiving corps, cornerbacks can't cover forever. If there's no pressure, Jackson will show fans why Staley has such a reverence for his throwing ability.
The team is getting Cam Jordan back is good for the matchup. The Baltimore receiving corps is banged up, but with no pass rush, those injuries won't have nearly the same benefit for New Orleans. That's before you get to Jackson running the football.
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