Minter, Who Took Over After the Team Fired Longtime Coach John Harbaugh in January, Praised Jackson's Adaptability and Work Ethic

Baltimore Ravens first-year head coach Jesse Minter has given an honest assessment of quarterback Lamar Jackson's progress as the team adjusts to a new offense during training camp. Minter, who took over after the team fired longtime coach John Harbaugh in January, praised Jackson's adaptability and work ethic. "He's really fun to watch and fun to be around.

He's embracing a new offense, you know, with some different things than maybe what he's done, Minter said on Sirius XM. "I would say this: he's done everything. I think [Todd Monken] and [Greg] both had really, really, really multiple offenses here where there was bits and pieces of everything... So just the ability to do lots of those things now he's embraced some of the timing mechanisms to get the ball out on time, the footwork mechanics to clean up the timing of the run game and pass game.

Minter called Jackson "one of one" in terms of his talent level in the NFL, noting that while Jackson can execute specific plays when they are available, he is also a highly capable playmaker on his own with the football. There's nobody we'd rather have than Lamar, Minter said, offering a strong vote of confidence for the Pro Bowl quarterback ahead of this season. Jackson played in only 13 games last season, finishing with 2,459 passing yards and 21 touchdowns.

He threw seven interceptions, tied for seventh in the league. Known for his mobility, Jackson tallied 67 carries for 349 yards and two rushing touchdowns last season—a significant drop from previous years—but the addition of running back Derrick Henry has eased that rushing burden while keeping defenses guessing. The Ravens missed the playoffs after a late-game field goal miss in a season-ending loss to Aaron Rodgers and the division rival Pittsburgh Steelers.

Baltimore opens its preseason schedule on Saturday, Aug. 15, hosting the Philadelphia Eagles, and begins the regular season on Sunday, Sept. 13, at the Indianapolis Colts. More news: Browns' Todd Monken Fires Back at Reporter Over Shedeur Sanders Question.