Baltimore Ravens teammate Zay Flowers is confident that this season will showcase a newly energized Lamar Jackson, a version of the quarterback that fans have yet to see. After a disappointing 2023 campaign that saw the Ravens miss the postseason for the first time since 2021, the organization is eager to turn the page.
The team fell short with an 8-9 record, capping the year with a decisive loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers that surrendered the AFC North crown. Jackson, a two‑time MVP, missed four games due to injury and the squad stumbled out of the gate with a 1-5 start, leaving them forever playing catch‑up. Even after returning to the field, Jackson never quite recaptured the electrifying, game‑breaking form that made him a household name. Yet analysts and insiders alike predict that he will emerge stronger as Baltimore re‑launches its Super Bowl quest this September.
"They’re going to see a different version this year," Flowers told Sky Sports, emphasizing that a new offensive system and a clean bill of health will give Jackson a genuine fresh start. "He’s going to be healthy, he’s going to take care of himself, and you’ll see a new version of everybody, real soon." Flowers has positioned himself as Jackson’s most reliable target, having led the Ravens last season with 86 receptions for 1,211 yards and five touchdowns.
His confidence in the quarterback’s potential is evident in his remarks about consistency, self‑belief, and staying true to one’s character. "He stays true to himself. He doesn’t change for anyone or anything in his life. Consistency, confidence, and putting God first—those are the things that keep him winning," Flowers said.
Statistically, Jackson completed 192 of 302 passes (a 63.6% completion rate) for 2,549 yards, 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions. On the ground, however, his production dipped to a career‑low 349 rushing yards, a stark contrast to the more than 695 yards he has typically amassed each season. Despite the dip, Jackson remains one of the league’s marquee faces and a central figure in any Super Bowl conversation. His journey from a draft‑day skeptic to a versatile, dual‑threat playmaker has reshaped perceptions of what a modern quarterback can be.
For younger teammates like second‑year wide receiver LaJohntay Wester, witnessing Jackson’s improvisational brilliance is nothing short of awe‑inspiring. "I saw him scramble in practice and toss the ball behind his back like he was playing basketball," Wester recalled. "Coaches tell QBs not to do that, but it’s Lamar—Lamarvelous. He does it on Sundays and then repeats it in practice.
It’s just him being himself." The offseason also brought a seismic shift in the coaching hierarchy. After 18 seasons at the helm, John Harbaugh departed, and former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter was hired as the new head coach. Flowers believes this change injects fresh energy into the locker room. "Everyone who didn’t get a chance to prove themselves under Coach Harbaugh now has a new opportunity with Coach Minter.
You can feel that energy in the room," he said. "He brings excitement, and everyone wants to play.
We’re all hungry for a fresh start and a shot at the Super Bowl." Wester echoed that sentiment, noting that the new coaching staff has revitalized the team’s atmosphere. "Coach Minter brings a new energy that was missing last year. Everyone is on board with a solid plan," he added.
The Ravens have been knocking on the Super Bowl door for several years, falling short in the divisional round three times since 2019 and suffering an AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2023 season. Yet the franchise remains a dominant force in the AFC, consistently challenging the Chiefs’ hegemony and aiming to re‑establish itself as a title contender in 2026. Flowers highlighted the motivational impact of playing alongside elite talent. "When you look around and see Derrick Henry, then you see Lamar Jackson, you know you have to grind and give your best," he said.
"Great teammates push you to become the best version of yourself." For Wester, the presence of veterans like Zay Flowers, Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson serves as daily inspiration. Drafted in the sixth round out of Colorado, Wester spent most of his rookie year as a return specialist, but he now sees a path to greater involvement.
"Seeing guys work hard every day makes me want to work even harder to impress them," he explained. "They’re legends in my city, and being around them makes you want to be on point and keep your ducks in a row." Looking ahead, the Ravens’ revamped coaching staff, renewed health for their star quarterback, and a roster brimming with talent set the stage for a compelling 2026 campaign. If Jackson can blend his innate athleticism with the strategic adjustments introduced by Coach Minter, Baltimore could finally translate its potential into a championship run. The anticipation is palpable, and fans eagerly await the first snap of a season that promises to showcase a revitalized, more resilient Lamar Jackson and a Ravens squad ready to seize the moment.