Lamar Jackson looking sharp, according to Ravens GM DeCosta
The 27-year-old will be expected to lead the Ravens' Super Bowl challenge this season
Lamar Jackson is dialled in ahead of the new NFL season, according to Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta.
Reigning MVP Jackson has attracted headlines for losing around 15 pounds in bodyweight since the end of last season – a move that has apparently seen him look sharper in training camp.
But DeCosta says that is just one factor why he is confident in the 27-year-old having another stand-out year as he looks to improve on a post-season record that stands at 2-4.
He said in remarks reported by ESPN: “What I’ve noticed about Lamar really is more of an intangible thing.
“His urgency as a leader, his urgency with the other players. He’s just really in tune with the other players every single day in practice. He’s so engaged with the coaches, he’s engaged with his teammates. Heck, he’s engaged with me.”
Baltimore open their 2024 campaign with a trip to two-time defending Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, on September 5 in what will be be an intriguing battle between Jackson and fellow quarterback star Patrick Mahomes.
“What I’ve noticed about @Lj_era8 really is an intangible thing, his urgency… We meet after practice and talk about personnel. He wants to win badly.” pic.twitter.com/yoOxlzKJHJ
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 29, 2024
It’s also a repeat of last season’s AFC Championship Game.
DeCosta added: “He [Jackson] just really wants to win badly, and I think I’m seeing that as a player.
“I’ve always known that, but now I’m seeing his personality kind of come out more where I can really get a sense that this guy is so hyper-focused on this season and really working to get a ring.”