OWINGS MILLS — Quarterback Lamar Jackson had an almost instant connection with rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers last season.
He expects that rapport to grow in their second year together. Jackson and Flowers work out together during the offseason in Florida to build on that relationship.
“I can’t really describe our chemistry – I believe it’s great; I can say that,” Jackson said. “It’s better than last year. Just being around him down in Florida, running every route on the route tree and just trying to build. It’s working out for us.”
The Ravens selected Flowers with the 22nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. Flowers led the team with 77 receptions for 858 yards and five touchdowns. He is expected to make more strides this season as he becomes more comfortable with Jackson and the offense under second-year coordinator Todd Monken.
“[I want] to improve this year on probably everything, just getting better at every phase and trying to be more of a leader this year,” Flowers said this offseason. “We have a young receiver room, so I’m trying to help lead them, too.”
Flowers learned some tough lessons in his rookie year.
In the AFC Championship Game against Kansas City, Flowers finished with five catches for 115 yards with a touchdown, but he made two costly mistakes. After catching a 54-yard pass from Jackson late in the third quarter, Flowers was penalized 15 yards for taunting after the catch that moved the ball back to the Chefs’ 25-yard line instead of the 10.
Flowers then fumbled just before crossing the goal line on an 8-yard pass from Jackson that was recovered by Kansas City in the end zone early in the fourth quarter. The Ravens never recovered and were eliminated from the postseason with a 17-10 loss.
In February, Flowers made headlines when he was accused of a domestic assault in Massachusetts, although no charges were filed. The police did not release details of the investigation and the NFL announced that Flowers would not face any action from the league.
Flowers is determined to get better in his second season, and Jackson has been impressed with Flowers’ workouts this offseason.
“He’s still that hungry guy,” Jackson said. “He’s trying to make things happen, and every time the ball is in his area, he’s making something happen. If he’s making a guy miss, he’s just being him.”
