A Look Inside the QB Room Ahead of Roster Cuts

Jackson and Monken Year 2

Lamar Jackson prepares to enter year two of Todd Monken’s offense, following the second MVP award of his career. Entering 2023, questions surrounded the Ravens and their ability to open up the passing game. The Todd Monken offense puts the Ravens playmakers in positions to create space and utilize their top skill sets attacking all over the field. Jackson’s dual-threat ability allowed Monken’s scheme to thrive, resulting in multiple league-leading offensive stats such as 370.4 YPG (5th), 156.5 RYPG (1st), and 28.4 PPG (4th). 

With concerns surrounding the Ravens offensive line to begin 2024, Jackson is expected to take on more responsibility regarding pre-snap reads, an aspect we saw Jackson take the next step in when given “the keys to the offense” in 2023. Adding 4x Pro Bowler Derrick Henry to the Monken scheme should alleviate some of the load Jackson saw on the run game a year prior where he saw the third-highest carries in a season of his career (148). Getting the passing game to the next level is something not only Jackson but Baltimore as a whole would desperately love to see. Bateman and Andrews healthy and contributing is a great sign as training camp and preseason conclude, but only time will tell if Jackson and the offense can build off of such a successful 2023. 

Is Josh Johnson the Best Option at QB2?

Following the Ravens 30-7 loss to the Packers Saturday, all signs point to Josh Johnson taking the QB2 job entering the 24’ season. The 10-year veteran enters the season with a year of experience in the Todd Monken system, serving as QB3 for Baltimore in 23’. It was a series of highs and lows for Johnson during camp this year. Beginning camp with a knack for turning the ball over, Johnson seemed to get better as the weeks progressed, giving his best performance in a 13-12 win over the Falcons posting 120 passing yards, and a touchdown, while going a perfect 11/11 passing.

 The Ravens know what they’re getting from Johnson, a quarterback who can make the throws similar to Lamar while losing a large running threat, something Tyler Huntley brought last season before departing for Cleveland in free agency. The options elsewhere are limited should the Ravens decide to look outside the building to fill the position. It should be noted the Ravens were one of the teams to reach out to the 49ers last season, regarding now-Cowboys backup Trey Lance, showing their willingness to upgrade the position via trade. Johnson’s the suspected option for Week 1, but how confident are the Ravens if the need to go to the backup ever arises? 

Who Takes the Lone Practice Squad Spot?

The NFL’s new rule this season allows teams to promote an emergency game-day quarterback from the practice squad, an unlimited amount of times. This allows the Ravens to continue their preferred logic of two quarterbacks on the 53 Man Roster. Baltimore will have a decision to make should both Emory Jones and Devin Leary clear waivers following Tuesday’s roster cuts. Following Saturday’s preseason finale, it seems the Ravens are more likely to bring back 6th Round Pick Devin Leary over UDFA Emory Jones.

Leary was known to be a project coming into the league. A starter at two Power 5 schools, Leary came into the draft process with a lot of tools to like as well as some questionable red flags. Devin’s scouting report had high remarks for his footwork in the pocket and his ability to shine at short and intermediate routes. However, in gameplay, Leary showed more of his con’s coming out of Kentucky. A below-average arm that struggles to get the ball down the field due to his undersized frame. Despite his underwhelming performances, Leary has still seen significantly more playtime than his counterpart Emory Jones (66 snaps to Jones’ 27). The goal was never to draft Leary and shape him into an NFL star. However, a year on the practice squad and working with QB Coach Tee Martin could play a major factor in developing Leary into a quality NFL backup. 

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