Baltimore Ravens teammate Zay Flowers says the upcoming NFL season will showcase a newly refreshed version of quarterback Lamar Jackson. After a disappointing 2023 campaign that saw the Ravens miss the playoffs for the first time since 2021, the team is eager to turn the page. The previous year ended with an 8-9 record and a crushing defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the final week, which cost the Ravens the AFC North crown. Jackson, a two‑time MVP, was hampered by injury and missed four games, contributing to a rough 1‑5 start that forced the squad into a perpetual catch‑up mode.
Even after returning to the field, his performance never quite reached the electrifying, game‑breaking heights that defined his earlier years. Nonetheless, analysts predict that a healthier, more focused Jackson will emerge this September as Baltimore renews its quest for a Super Bowl. "They’ll see a different version of him this year," Flowers told Sky Sports.
"With a new system he gets a fresh start. He’ll stay healthy, take care of himself, and you’ll notice a new version of everybody—real soon." Flowers has cemented his role as Jackson’s most reliable target, leading the Ravens last season with 86 receptions for 1,211 yards and five touchdowns.
Jackson’s own statistics reflected a mixed picture: he completed 192 of 302 passes (a 63.6% completion rate) for 2,549 yards, 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions. His rushing total, however, fell to a career‑low 349 yards, a stark contrast to the more than 695 yards he had amassed in each of his prior seasons. Despite the dip in rushing production, Jackson remains one of the league’s marquee players and a central figure in the Ravens’ Super Bowl aspirations.
Flowers praised Jackson’s consistency and authenticity, noting that the quarterback “doesn’t change for anyone or anything in his life. He stays true to himself, puts God first, and that mindset is unbeatable.” For younger teammates like second‑year wide receiver LaJohntay Wester, adapting to Jackson’s unique skill set is still a marvel.
"It’s crazy," Wester said. "I saw him scramble in practice and throw the ball behind his back like a basketball move—something coaches normally forbid.
It’s Lamar‑velous. He does that on Sundays and in practice, just being himself." The offseason brought significant changes to Baltimore’s coaching staff. After 18 seasons under John Harbaugh, the Ravens hired former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter as head coach.
Flowers described the transition as an "opportunity for everyone" to prove themselves under a fresh leadership style. "Minter brings energy, and everybody is excited to start fresh and chase the same goal—a Super Bowl." Wester echoed that sentiment, noting that the new coaching energy was exactly what the team lacked in the previous year.
"Everyone is on board, we have a solid plan, and the new staff is injecting the drive we needed," he said. Historically, the Ravens have been close but not quite there, falling in the divisional round three times since 2019 and losing the AFC Championship to the Kansas City Chiefs at the close of the 2023 season.
Yet the franchise remains a dominant force in the AFC, consistently challenging the Chiefs’ dominance and positioning itself as a contender for the 2026 season. Flowers highlighted the motivational impact of playing alongside elite talent. "When you look around and see Derrick Henry, then Lamar Jackson, you know you have to grind and give your best. Great teammates push you to become the best version of yourself." For Wester, the chance to learn from veterans like Zay Flowers, Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson is a catalyst for personal growth.
Drafted in the sixth round from Colorado, Wester spent most of his rookie year as a return specialist. He now aims to expand his role, inspired by the work ethic of the Ravens’ stars. "Seeing these legends daily makes you want to work harder and not mess up.
You want to be on point and keep your ducks in a row," he explained. Looking ahead, the Ravens’ revamped coaching philosophy, combined with Jackson’s anticipated health and renewed vigor, could reshape the team’s trajectory. The new system under Minter is expected to leverage Jackson’s dual‑threat capabilities—both passing and rushing—while protecting him from the injuries that limited his output last season.
Improved offensive line schemes, a more balanced run‑pass ratio, and strategic play‑calling are all on the table. Analysts also anticipate that Jackson’s decision‑making will sharpen as he adapts to Minter’s defensive‑mindset approach. By integrating more pre‑snap reads and leveraging his athleticism in designed runs, the Ravens hope to keep defenses guessing and open up big‑play opportunities for receivers like Flowers and emerging talents such as Wester. If the Ravens can stay healthy, maintain the newfound energy in the locker room, and execute Minter’s vision, they could return to the playoff picture early and perhaps make a deep postseason run.
The combination of a revitalized Lamar Jackson, a motivated receiving corps, and a coaching staff eager to prove themselves creates a compelling narrative for Baltimore fans who have endured a brief playoff drought. In summary, the 2024 season promises a fresh chapter for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. With a healthier quarterback, a new head coach, and a roster hungry for success, Baltimore aims to transform last year’s disappointment into a championship‑contending campaign. The upcoming weeks will reveal whether the “new version” of Jackson can indeed deliver the excitement and dominance that fans have come to expect.