Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson had to scramble away from defenders as the Green Bay Packers applied pressure in their joint practice on Thursday.
It was the first time this preseason Jackson had the opportunity to play against an opponent other than his teammates. Coach John Harbaugh said Jackson looked solid and was encouraged by the adjustments against the Packers’ defensive front.
“I thought Lamar looked great,” Harbaugh said. “I also think that the value of this thing … because he’s coming back there telling me, ‘I should’ve done this, I should’ve done that.’ It’s just another kind of a circumstance for him to be in where he can kind of get ready for the season.”
Harbaugh was able to get a different look at his offensive line playing in front of Jackson. The Ravens are still trying to finalize the starters.
If center Tyler Linderbaum cannot play because of a neck injury he sustained early in training camp, veteran Pat Mekari could take that spot. Ronnie Stanley will start at left tackle. Andrew Vorhees will likely play at left guard. Daniele Faalele has started all of the preseason games at right guard after being shifted from right tackle. Rookie Roger Rosengarten is in the hunt to start at left tackle. Josh Jones is still in the mix to start at guard or tackle.
Despite the pressure, Harbaugh thought the offensive line held up well against the Packers’ aggressive defensive front.
“I thought they looked good,” Harbaugh said. “They were bringing bull rushes and games, and physical games in there, and our guys were stout [and] passing that stuff off really well. You’re not going to be perfect, and Lamar [Jackson] definitely holds the ball. Lamar was not looking to run; he was looking to stay in there and throw. I think he probably would run more in a game than he did today, and that’s a problem for the defense, too. From what I could see [when] I was standing there – I can’t wait to see the tape – but I was happy with how firm the pocket was 90 percent of the time.”
